Ruth Wagner Obituary

Ruth Alice Baumann Wagner, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away September 22, 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ruth was born on October 11, 1927 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota to Hattie Teresa Gadow and Ruben Baumann. Her family moved to Waterloo, Iowa in 1941. Ruth graduated from East High School in 1945. She was employed in the purchasing department of Rath Packing Company for 10 years. She was a member of Junior Woman's Club and president of Nu Phi Mu sorority. Ruth married Edward Wagner on November 15, 1948. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother of two children: Mary Ann (Smith) and Stephen, both of Phoenix. Ruth and Edward moved to Phoenix in 1987. Ruth's life was one of giving unselfishly to family and friends. She volunteered in Waterloo, Iowa for the Red Cross (2 years), Cresthaven Elementary (1 year), West Junior High (2years), and Columbus High School (2 years). Ruth also volunteered at Alta Vista Elementary School in Phoenix (25 years) and worked at Market Research (16 years). Her greatest joy was "Grandma Ruth" day which she spent caring for her grandchildren every Thursday. Ruth was there to help neighbors run errands, visit doctors, or respond to sick calls in the middle of the night. Ruth is survived by her husband: Edward Wagner, daughter: Mary Ann Smith (husband Tom), son: Stephen Wagner (wife Marla), three grandchildren: Michelle, Michael, and Matthew Wagner, two sisters: Jean Barrett and Shirley Dail, and one brother: Roger Baumann. Ruth was a woman of faith who loved her family, others, and the Lord. She is with Him now and we look forward to seeing her again. Services: Viewing: Best Funeral Services (9380 W. Peoria) September 28, 2006 from 7-9 PM. Funeral Service: St. Elizabeth Seton Church (9728 W. Palmeras Dr.) September 29, 2006 at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The American Heart Association, The American Lung Association, or Phoenix Hospice of the Valley