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Born in 1902 and raised in Portland, Oregon, Florence Gradon attended Oregon Agricultural College from 1920 to 1924, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. During her time as a student, Gradon was active in a number of campus organizations, committees, and honorary societies. These groups included the Omicron Nu Honorary Society, the Board of Control (student representative), the Women's Council, the Scribe, and the Citation Committee. Gradon also served in student government as Second Vice President and worked on the staff of the Daily Barometer newspaper. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. After graduation, Gradon spent a year teaching high school home economics on Vashon Island, Washington. Returning to Portland, Gradon then worked for a local newspaper, The Portland Telegram, as Home Economics Editor. In 1928, Gradon married fellow alumnus Louis B. Ragen. Together the couple raised a daughter, Janis, and two sons, Brooks and Ronnie. Throughout her life, Florence remained active in the Oregon State University Alumni Association. She died in 1986.