Betty Lou (Goetz) Wagner, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Betty was born March 21, 1934 in Victoria, Kansas.  She was one of five children born to William and Helen (Herman) Goetz.  At age 8, the family moved from Victoria to Russell.  She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1951.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul J. Wagner on April 8, 1969 in Russell.  This union was blessed with four children:  Melanie, Kevin, Michelle and Paul. 

Betty's passion was the love and care of her family.  She was known for not only nurturing her own children but the children of the entire neighborhood.  She cared deeply for her family and instilled the value of faith and love within them.

Outside of the home, Betty was a Tax Preparer with H&R Block for 18 years.  Her and her husband Paul built a contract pumping business, B&P Pumping where they worked side by side until Paul's death in 2005.  She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the RCCW.  Her hobbies included  bowling, playing cards especially pinochle, bingo, dominos, puzzles and sewing.  Upon the arrival of each of her grandchildren, she proudly quilted a baby blanket for them.  She loved spending time with her family and friends and played a very active and important role in the lives of each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren

Betty’s surviving family include her two daughters, Melanie Banks (David) and Michelle Wagner (Todd Schneider)  all of Russell, Kansas; two sons, Kevin Wagner (Shannon) of Seminole, Florida and Paul Wagner (Candi) of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Kayla, Chelsie, Brianna, Jordyn, Jacquelyn, Paulie (PJ) and great grandchildren Emma, Scarlett and Jensyn.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; brothers, Donald and Bill Goetz; sisters, Gloria Teel and Arlene Sturman; and grandson Sean Banks.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.  Burial of Ashes will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There is no visitation taking place.  A Memorial has been established with St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church Maintenance Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.