Thelma Ruth Wagner

Thelma Ruth Wagner

Washington

Thelma Ruth Wagner, age 105, of Washington, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Washington County Hospital & Clinics.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke officiating. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the service, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the United Presbyterian Home and the United Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be sent for Thelma’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Thelma was born on April 21, 1920, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of Dave and Nellie Euwer (Love) Benson. She attended school in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1938. Thelma was united in marriage to John Howard Wagner on May 21, 1941, in Washington, Iowa.

Thelma was a lifelong resident of Washington County, where she dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker and assisted her husband on the family farm operation. She previously worked as a rural schoolteacher for three years and later as a school cook for nine years.

A faithful and active member of the United Presbyterian Church, Thelma taught Sunday School and served as a Circle Leader, Elder, Deacon, and was a member of Stevens Ministry. She generously gave her time as a volunteer at the United Presbyterian Home, Central Park Community Center, and the Washington County Historical Society at the Conger House. At home, she took great joy in caring for her beautiful flowers.

She is survived by her three children: son, Kenneth Wagner of Washington, Iowa; daughter, Kristine (Steve) Storr of Muscatine, Iowa; and daughter, Karen (Jim) Macdonald of Fort Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 1972; sisters, Mildred Benson and Bessie Love; brother, Rolland Benson; and infant brother, Donald Marion Benson.