Nancy Tuttle Ragland, 89, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, with her three daughters by her side.

Nancy was born on June 3, 1936, in Wilmette, Illinois, to Charles and Margaret Tuttle. She graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. She briefly studied at Southern Methodist University before returning closer to home to continue her education at Northwestern University.

At just 20 years old, Nancy married Kenneth W. Ragland, beginning a partnership that would span 67 years until Ken’s passing in 2023. In their early years together, Nancy and Ken lived in Hanover, New Hampshire, while Ken completed his studies. From there they moved to Ventura, California, and then to Ann Arbor, Michigan before moving to Madison, Wisconsin.

Nancy, Ken and their two young daughters spent nine months in Novosibirsk, USSR in 1967. While Ken worked as an American exchange research fellow with the Academy of Science of the Society Union, Nancy taught English at the associated high school.

In 1968, the family settled in Madison, Wisconsin. Nancy returned to school to pursue her passion for gardening and design, earning her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1976, she began working for the Madison Parks Department as a landscape architect. 1n 1987, she went on to become the first official Director of Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a role she held until her retirement in 2006. She served on the Madison Board of Parks Commissioners, was a member of the Madison Rotary Club and an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Madison.

During her tenure, Nancy guided a remarkable period of growth and transformation for the gardens. She played a key role in fundraising for and opening the Bolz Conservatory, helped lead the redesign of the Rose Garden, and oversaw the development of numerous beloved garden spaces. One of her most notable achievements was helping to bring the Thai Pavilion to the gardens, creating a unique cultural landmark in Madison. Her leadership and vision earned her numerous awards and the deep respect of colleagues and the community.

Nancy found joy in spending time with family and friends. She loved being outside in nature. She enjoyed sailing, canoeing or taking a slow walk to look at the plants. She loved to travel. Nancy enjoyed her quiet time tackling the weeds in her garden. She had a lighthearted spirit, a good sense of humor, loved to laugh and had a beautiful smile. Above all she was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Laura Ragland, Lisa Ragland, and Emily (Jamie) Reichard, and by her grandchildren, Dana R. Goodman, Isabella R. Goodman, Zach Reichard, and Nick Reichard. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth W. Ragland; her sister, Carolyn Mellor; and her parents, Charles and Margaret Tuttle.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, 900 University Bay Dr, on Saturday, May 30th, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Please share your memories of Nancy by posting in her guestbook. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434