Mata Wagner

On April 22, 2018, our aunt, great-aunt and great-great aunt, the last leaf on the Wagner family tree, joined her parents and siblings for a wonderful family reunion in heaven, and The Lord said "Welcome Home, Mata."

She was born on Jan. 13, 1932, on a farm near Haynes, ND, to George and Catherine Wagner, and attended school there until 10th grade, when they moved to Bismarck and she graduated in 1950. She worked for NW Bell, then moved to Billings and worked for Carter Oil (now Exxon/Mobil), where she retired after 37 years.

Although she never had children, she helped raise her sister's two girls, Sandy and Cathy. She loved them as if they were her own. She brought joy and laughter with her fun-loving, creative nature. Mata made their lives brighter and fuller. She also loved and enjoyed their children and grandchildren.

She belonged to ‘"The Golden Dancers," bringing sparkle and joy to others. She attended the Evangelical United Methodist Church (EUMC) for many years and loved her church family, especially the children's ministry. She also belonged to the Exxon Annuitant Club.

She enjoyed gardening and her flower beds were magnificent. She got a kick out of decorating for all holidays (especially Christmas), blessing many generations with a little more joy and beauty in their lives. She will be missed by all who loved and knew this timeless woman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and three brothers. Survivors include four nieces, Sandra and Bob Sims, their children Dr. Rob and his children Nicholas and Makenna; Michele and her children Catalina and Isabella; Cathy and Tom and their son Brad, his wife Laura and their daughter Kara; Debra and Andrew and their children Sarah and Hailey and Karen and Brian, and their children.

Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Evangelical United Methodist Church, 345 Broadwater Ave.

Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice or EUMC.