The Texas Hill Country, a region renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant summer camps, was struck with devastating heartbreak on July 4, 2025. Flash floods of catastrophic proportions ravaged Kerr County, leading to the tragic death of Jane Ragsdale, known affectionately as “Wayne,” the beloved director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp in Hunt, Texas. Ragsdale’s untimely passing is part of a broader tragedy that has claimed at least 13 lives, with more than 20 people still missing, including campers from a nearby camp, as rescue teams continue their tireless search through the flood-ravaged region.
Jane Ragsdale’s connection to Heart O’ the Hills was profound, having started her journey there as a camper in the 1970s. This camp, which she loved so deeply, became a central part of her life’s work, and her legacy is now intertwined with the thousands of lives she touched over decades. Ragsdale’s story is one of dedication, mentorship, and transformative leadership, and her death leaves an indelible mark not only on her family but on the entire camping community and the residents of Kerrville and surrounding areas.
Ragsdale’s commitment to Heart O’ the Hills began as a young camper, and it only grew stronger as she returned to the camp as a counselor. By 1976, her passion for the camp led her to co-own it, and in 1988, she became the camp director, a position she held with grace and vision for nearly four decades. Under her leadership, Heart O’ the Hills evolved into a sanctuary for young girls, offering not only summer fun but also a place to nurture confidence, build community, and create lifelong memories. Through her dedication, the camp became more than just a place of summer recreation—it became a transformative space where young girls discovered their strength, formed lasting friendships, and developed the skills to navigate the challenges of life.
Ragsdale’s contributions went beyond the camp’s boundaries. She was a nationally recognized figure in the camping industry, earning prestigious awards such as the 2022 Pioneer Trailblazer Award from the Pioneer Alumni Association and the Speedy Altman Award, a lifetime achievement recognition from the Camp Owners and Directors Association. Her colleagues described her as the “heart and soul” of the camp, a woman whose vision, kindness, and leadership touched thousands of lives, making her passing even more heartbreaking for those who worked with and loved her.
The devastating flood that claimed Ragsdale’s life was an unexpected and ferocious act of nature. In the early hours of July 4, 2025, torrential rains poured down on the region, dumping as much as 12 inches of water across Kerr County. The resulting flash floods caused the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes, reaching its second-highest level on record. The catastrophic flooding overwhelmed the region, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure in communities like Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. The floodwaters left devastation in their wake, with buildings destroyed, roads impassable, and families displaced.
At nearby Camp Mystic, another Christian summer camp for girls, more than 20 campers remain unaccounted for, and frantic parents are left anxiously awaiting news. The magnitude of this flood has drawn comparisons to the 1987 Guadalupe River flood, which claimed 10 lives, but local officials have stated that this event is far worse. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted, “This far surpasses the ’87 flood,” his voice heavy with the sorrow of the ongoing disaster. The community is still reeling from the magnitude of the loss, and the search for missing loved ones continues with urgency and intensity.
Rescue operations have been mobilized swiftly, with more than 500 personnel, including Texas Game Wardens, the Texas National Guard, and swiftwater rescue teams, working tirelessly to find survivors and locate those missing. They are utilizing helicopters, boats, and drones to comb through the flood-ravaged region in search of signs of life. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged all necessary resources to the ongoing operation, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who is acting as governor during the crisis, has vowed that no stone will be left unturned in the search for the missing. In a heartfelt message to the families of those still unaccounted for, Patrick said, “We will do everything humanly possible, 24/7, to find your daughter.” The Red Cross has set up reunification centers, and local organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, have launched relief funds to help with recovery efforts.
The loss of Jane Ragsdale has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Hill Country community and far beyond. Former campers, colleagues, and friends have taken to social media to express their profound grief, with many reflecting on the transformative impact she had on their lives. One former camper wrote, “Jane made every girl feel seen and valued. She was a beacon of strength and love, and I will never forget the confidence she instilled in me.” Another shared how Ragsdale’s influence extended beyond the camp, remembering how she taught life lessons that would carry them through adulthood. As people continue to grieve, they also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy of kindness, strength, and leadership.
Though the camp is not in session during the flood, the Heart O’ the Hills Camp remains a testament to Ragsdale’s life’s work. Its riverfront setting, nestled in the stunning Texas Hill Country, is a place where countless memories were forged under Ragsdale’s leadership. Her influence is embedded in the camp’s mission, which continues to empower young girls and foster community. For those who were lucky enough to be part of the camp’s community, Ragsdale’s presence will never be forgotten.
As the floodwaters begin to recede and the search for the missing continues, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by the disaster. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration in the aftermath of the floods, which included the cancellation of the city’s Fourth of July celebrations. Local residents, like Erin Burgess, who clung to a tree with her son as floodwaters ravaged her home, have shared harrowing accounts of the terror and destruction they faced. The community is now facing the immense task of rebuilding, but it is clear that the road ahead will be long and difficult.
For now, the Hill Country community holds its breath, praying for miracles while mourning the loss of Jane Ragsdale, a woman whose contributions to the camp and the lives of others will never be forgotten. Ragsdale’s passing marks the loss of a pillar in the community—a visionary leader whose love for the children she guided, the camp she ran, and the region she called home will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her legacy, like the Guadalupe River she loved, will continue to flow through the lives she touched, and her memory will be a source of strength for all who carry her spirit forward.
The Texas Hill Country will never be the same without Jane Ragsdale, but her influence will endure, and her memory will be carried forward by the thousands of lives she touched during her time on this earth. Rest in peace, Jane. You were the heart and soul of Heart O’ the Hills, and your legacy will forever remain a part of the camp, the community, and the countless individuals whose lives you changed.
