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Betty Lovette Wagner was born Oct. 28, 1942 in Marinette, Wisconsin, to John and Dorothy (Mattison) O’Brien. She was raised in Amberg with her sister, Dodie, and brother, John. She completed her education at Marinette Teacher’s College, earning her degree in education. On Aug. 18, 1962, she married Dennis Wagner and they made their home in Amberg. They started their family and she gave birth to a son, Dennis. Another son, Scott, followed a few years later.
In 1968, they moved out West where Dennis found work in the oilfield. Family was of utmost importance to them, so Betty became very proficient in moving. In a few short years, they moved over 60 different times, and once, they moved twice in one day! Amidst their travels, a daughter, Karyn, was born. They moved overseas and lived in England and Scotland. When the decision was made to plant their roots, they chose Powell.
Gardening was her passion. From this love, she started her own business, Heart Mountain Services. She could recognize any plant and could give not only its Latin name, but also how to care for it. She made quick friends with her clients and others she met. It was not unusual for her to add them to her ever expanding Christmas card list. Her life was her ministry and she showed the love of the Lord to everyone she met.
Betty supported her family with any passions they were involved in. She was no stranger to a gym or auditorium and would seldom miss events. She would often travel many miles to cheer her family on, and would work on knitting blankets for her loved ones while in the car.
She is survived by her best friend and husband of 62 years, Dennis Wagner Sr., her children Scott Wagner and Becky (Shawn) Burke, Karyn (Snuf) Triplett and her 13 grandchildren, Sean Wagner (Arora), Michele Wagner, Travis Bell (Nikki), Dustin Bell (Meghan), Zach Wagner (Jessica), Megan Frandson (Logan), Robbie Burke, Makayla Burke, Randi Asay (Bruce), Danielle Asay, Kodee Asay, Savannah Herd (Jaeden), Mallory Herd (Brekyn), and 15 precious great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, John O’Brien, her mother, Dorothy (Mattison) O’Brien, her sister, Dodie Kinzinger, and her son, Dennis Wagner II (Sheila).
Betty’s viewing will be at Thompson Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 6-7 p.m. We welcome all family and friends to her funeral at Bennett Creek Church at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 and her burial to follow at the Bennett Butte Cemetery. Please join us and share the many memories you have of Betty’s well-lived life.
