Loretta J. Wagner

Loretta June Wagner, 80, died at her home in Yakima on November 17, 2009. Born on June 24, 1929, in National City, California, to Laura and Charles Davis, Loretta was the youngest of seven children and the only daughter. The family moved to Wiley City when Loretta was a young girl and Loretta attended elementary and junior high there. She graduated from what was then Yakima High School in 1947. On, April 1, 1951, she married Melvin G. Wagner in Yakima and shortly afterward, joined him in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he was stationed during the Korean War.After working for a short time as a bank teller, Loretta became a full-time wife and mother to two children, Deborah and Scott. She created a wonderful home and was supportive of every school activity that her children became involved in.She was a terrific ally and supporter to all in her family and her friends.Lifelong members of First Presbyterian Church, Loretta and Mel became adult leaders of the College-Age Bible Study group that was sponsored through the church in the 1970’s. The friendships and relationships made during that time were a source of great joy to Loretta for the rest of her life. She also took part in the Bethel Bible Study series at First Presbyterian, becoming a teacher of others in the program.Loretta will be remembered for her quick wit, willingness to try new things, and being the first person to pull out a deck of cards at a family gathering. She will be cherished in memory by her husband and children for her unfailing love and constant care. She was incredibly proud of her granddaughter, Madison, and treasured the times they spent together.Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Mel; her daughter Deborah; her son Scott and his wife, Joy, and granddaughter Madison. Loretta was preceeded in death by her brothers Earl, Elmer, Rex, Wendell, Robert and Merle.A memorial service in celebration of Loretta’s life will be held on Monday, November 23, at 2:00 pm, at First Presbyterian Church, with a reception following in the Garden Room.Loretta was a passionate lover of “all creatures great and small” and also leaves behind two treasured feline friends, Lily and Bandit. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to: Humane Society Shelter of Yakima, 2405 Birchfield Road, Yakima, WA, 98901.“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2Arrangements are in the care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.