Ruth Virginia Wagner, 101, of Burlington, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born June 25, 1924, in Mount Pleasant, she was the daughter of John Thomas and Caroline Olive Hedlund McNeeley. On August 8, 1946, she married Raymond Edward Wagner in Burlington. He passed on May 21, 2005.
Ruth was a registered nurse in Burlington and served in the Cadet Nurse Corp during WWII at the Schick Army Hospital in Clinton. Following her nursing career she stayed at home to help raise her growing family.
She was a devoted member of Parkside First Baptist Church. Ruth found joy in many quiet pursuits throughout her life. She had a talent for needlework and created many beautiful pieces over the years. She was a woman of faith who spent much time reading her Bible and drawing strength from its words. Ruth also enjoyed cooking for her family, tending to her garden, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Bird watching was a favorite pastime, and she took comfort in observing and identifying the many species that visited her yard.
Survivors include her children, Joyce (Robert) Schlote of Silverdale, Wash., Thomas (Kathy) Wagner of Bettendorf, James (Judy) Wagner of Bloomington, Ind., Daniel Wagner of Burlington, Catherine (Randy) Wagner-Aronson of Cooper City, Fla.; seven grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband of 58 years, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Gilbert Wayne, Ronald, and John; one brother in infancy, Roger; five sisters; Alice Lite, Ruby Messer, Velma Lyons, Margaret Berry, Doris Garrels, and granddaughter, Kristi Wagner.
Visitation will be from 12 to 5 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mrs. Wagner will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Parkside First Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Ullom officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for Parkside First Baptist Church and the SCC Nursing & Health Professions Scholarship Fund.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.