HUNT, TX — In the wake of the devastating flash floods that ravaged parts of Central Texas on July 4, 2025, the community of Hunt and the wider Texas Hill Country are grieving the tragic loss of one of their most beloved figures. Jane Ragsdale, longtime director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, was among the victims claimed by the violent, fast-moving waters that tore through the region. She was 68 years old.

Jane’s death has sent waves of sorrow across generations of families who had known her as a guiding light, a mentor, and a cherished friend. With a life so deeply rooted in the spirit of service, tradition, and love for youth, her sudden passing has left an unfillable void.

A Lifelong Legacy at Heart O’ the Hills

Jane Ragsdale’s story is inseparable from the legacy of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt. Her journey with the camp began as a young camper in the 1970s, and over the decades, she grew from camper to counselor, and eventually to co-owner and camp director. Her leadership and vision turned Heart O’ the Hills into more than just a summer destination—it became a sacred space for growth, learning, and lifelong friendship for thousands of girls across Texas and beyond.

Under her stewardship, the camp became a haven of empowerment, kindness, and creativity. She cultivated an environment where young women were encouraged to be strong, compassionate leaders—lessons Jane herself embodied in every fiber of her being.

“She wasn’t just the director—she was the heartbeat of Heart,” one longtime staff member said. “Jane had a way of making every girl feel seen, heard, and valued. Her spirit was woven into every tradition, every campfire, every morning bell.”

A Woman of Achievement and Grace

Jane Ragsdale was more than a camp director—she was a trailblazer. Her decades of service to youth, outdoor education, and the community earned her widespread admiration. Among her many honors were the Pioneer Trailblazer Award and the Speedy Altman Award, both presented in recognition of her leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the values she cherished.

She was often described as someone who never sought the spotlight but earned it through sheer authenticity, hard work, and the impact she had on people’s lives. Her wisdom, resilience, and boundless love for her campers made her not only a leader but a legend in the camping world.

The Deadly Floods of July 4, 2025

Jane’s passing comes as part of the wider tragedy unfolding across Texas, where flash flooding has claimed at least 13 lives and left approximately 20 individuals unaccounted for. Torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and creeks, including those surrounding Hunt and the Guadalupe River, leaving destruction in their wake.

Details regarding the circumstances of Jane’s death have not been made public, but officials confirmed her body was recovered after she was swept away by floodwaters near the camp. Emergency responders and community members had held out hope, praying for her safe return, but the news of her passing was met with disbelief and heartbreak.

An Outpouring of Grief and Remembrance

Since the announcement of her death, tributes have poured in from across the state and beyond. Former campers, parents, counselors, and friends have taken to social media and memorial boards to share their memories of Jane—the encouragement she offered, the traditions she upheld, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave so freely.

“She taught me how to believe in myself when I didn’t even know who I was,” one former camper wrote. “Jane changed my life.”

The staff at Heart O’ the Hills have announced plans to hold a memorial service on campgrounds, honoring the woman who shaped so many lives with her leadership and grace. Grief counselors have also been brought in to support the current camp session as young campers and staff process the loss of the woman many saw as a second mother.

A Legacy That Will Live On

While Jane Ragsdale’s life ended far too soon, her legacy is one that will endure for generations. Her work at Heart O’ the Hills transformed not only a camp but thousands of lives. Her love of nature, her belief in the power of young women, and her fierce loyalty to tradition will continue to echo in every cabin, every song, and every story told around the fire.

She was a pillar of the community, not just in Hunt, but in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her. And while the flood may have taken her from us physically, her spirit remains—as strong, radiant, and enduring as the hills she called home.

Rest peacefully, Jane.

Your song lives on in every life you touched.