Hunt, Texas – The serene beauty of the Texas Hill Country was shattered on July 4, 2025, as devastating flash floods swept through Kerr County, leaving behind destruction, heartbreak, and an unimaginable loss. Among the victims was Jane Ragsdale, the beloved director of Heart O’ the Hills Camp, who tragically lost her life as floodwaters overwhelmed the region. She was 69.
Ragsdale was more than just a camp director—she was the heart and soul of a community that spanned generations. A lifelong advocate for youth development and a steward of tradition, she dedicated nearly five decades of her life to Heart O’ the Hills, transforming it into one of Texas’ most cherished summer camps for girls.
Her death is part of a wider tragedy that has gripped Kerr County, where at least 13 people have been confirmed dead and more than 20 others remain missing following historic rainfall and flash flooding. Rescue teams, including emergency personnel, community volunteers, and helicopter crews, continue scouring the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas for survivors.
Jane’s story with Heart O’ the Hills began in the 1970s, when she first arrived as a wide-eyed camper. Her early experiences along the South Fork of the Guadalupe River instilled in her a love of nature, sisterhood, and personal growth—values she would spend her life nurturing in others. She returned as a counselor, then as a program leader, and in 1976, she became co-owner of the camp. By 1988, she stepped into the role of director, a position she embraced with unwavering dedication for nearly 40 years.
Under her leadership, Heart O’ the Hills became more than just a camp. It was a sanctuary for girls, a place where confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships were cultivated in the shade of towering cypress trees. Ragsdale was known for her hands-on approach, her deep compassion, and the way she treated every camper and staff member like family. Her legacy is etched in every corner of the camp and in the hearts of thousands of girls whose lives she touched.
In a heartfelt statement, a spokesperson for Heart O’ the Hills said:
“Jane was the embodiment of what Heart stands for—tradition, strength, and the power of girls to lead with kindness and courage. Her presence will never be replaced, but her spirit will live on in every song sung and every camper who finds her voice here.”
Tributes have poured in from across the state and beyond—from former campers, counselors, fellow directors, and members of the Kerrville and Hunt communities who viewed Jane as not just a leader, but a guiding light.
As the region continues to cope with the scope of the disaster, the loss of Jane Ragsdale is felt deeply, not only in the camp community, but throughout Texas and the wider world of youth summer programs. Plans to honor her legacy are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Jane Ragsdale’s name will forever be woven into the fabric of Heart O’ the Hills—just as she wove strength, joy, and wisdom into the lives of so many others.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the river and hills she loved so dearly.
