With grateful hearts for a life richly lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Betty Lou Wagner, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on March 14, 2026, at the age of 100.

Born on November 3, 1925, in Athens, Illinois, Betty lived a century marked by faith, devotion, and deep love for her family. Her life began with a remarkable story of strength—after leaving the orphanage, she was given the opportunity to choose her own name, a meaningful beginning for a woman who would go on to build such a beautiful and lasting legacy. Through every season of life, she trusted in God’s goodness and was a steady example of Christian grace, kindness, and strength to all who knew her.

On November 17, 1947, she married the love of her life, LeRoy Wagner, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and the simple joys of farm life.

Betty loved the life she built on the farm and found joy in its simple, meaningful rhythms. She had a special love for animals, especially dogs and cats, and if there was a baby calf that needed feeding, she could often be found perched on the fence rail, happily caring for it. She also loved helping tend the family garden and embraced farm life with a full and grateful heart.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. Her home was always a place of warmth, where meals were shared, stories were told, and everyone was welcomed with open arms. She especially cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, praying for them, encouraging them in their faith, and surrounding them with love that will be remembered always.

A gifted and creative woman, Betty was a talented seamstress who lovingly made coats, dresses, and formal wear. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts and shared her creativity generously with those around her. Her time working at a Singer sewing shop was a natural fit for her many talents. She also served as a devoted 4-H leader for many years, pouring into the lives of young people with patience, skill, and care.

Betty had a special way about her—stylish, warm, and quietly unforgettable. She carried herself with timeless grace and a classic sense of style that was always beautifully her own. Her beauty, elegance, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression and continue to be reflected in the women of her family. She also had a quiet way of telling stories that always drew you in, often leaving those around her smiling or laughing.

She also loved to read. When she wasn’t outside enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm, she was often curled up with a book, rarely putting it down until she had finished the very last page. Reading was one of the many simple joys that filled her life and reflected her curious, thoughtful spirit.

Her life reflected the words of Proverbs 31, as she faithfully served her family, church, and community. She loved attending church, reading her Bible, and sharing the hope she had in Christ. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, from watching birds and squirrels outside her window to learning about the places her family would visit on vacations and sharing what she discovered along the way. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, wise counsel, and unwavering trust in the Lord.

Her famous scotcharoos and sugar cookies were a treasured Christmas tradition and a staple of family celebrations. They will continue to be lovingly made each year with thoughts of her, and that sweet tradition will be passed down through generations as one more reminder of her love woven into the life of her family.

Having lived a full century, Betty witnessed remarkable changes in the world, yet the constant in her life was her faith in Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, grace, creativity, devotion to family, and cherished traditions that will continue to bless generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Leona Otterbach; her in-laws, Harvey and Florence Wagner; her husband, LeRoy Wagner; and her son, Jim Wagner.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Connie Meade and Kent Wagner; her grandchildren, Jeff Meade, Jay Meade, Mindy Blaylock, Lindsey Goodman, Jennifer Soy, BJ Wagner, Adam Wagner, Josh Wagner, and Ryan Wagner; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and prayers.

While her family will deeply miss her presence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the assurance that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota with Chaplain Bill Clark officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Interment will follow in Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23