Rita A. Wagner
August 3, 1942 ~ July 12, 2022
Rita A. Wagner, 79 of Indianapolis died Tuesday July 12, 2022. She was born on August 3, 1942, in Beech Grove, Indiana to Edward and Dolores Kistner Johnson.
She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy in Oldenburg in 1960. She was a customer Service Advisor for Ameritech for 35 years. Rita was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church.
On January 29, 1966, she married the love of her life Marvin R. Wagner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Rita is survived by her beloved husband Marvin Wagner, children Harold (Hope) Wagner, Edmund (Cindy) Wagner, Gretchen (Kaitlyn Hatch) Wagner, Martin (Karyn) Wagner, siblings Edward (Carol) Johnson, Charles (Julie) Johnson, Jean (Dave) Webb, Frank “Tim” (Tina) Johnson, James “Jim” (Anita) Johnson, Mary (Bob) Michael and 8 grandchildren.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Dolores Johnson, daughter Kathryn Wagner, sister Kathleen Wilder
.
Visitation for Rita will be Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM at St Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Services entrusted to O’Riley Branson Funeral Services and Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
To share a memory and tribute to Rita, please go to www.orileybranson.com
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When my father died, she told me she promised to pray for him for a year. I spoke to her after that, and she was still praying. She prayed the rosary daily for many people, many hours each day. Welcome her home, sweet Jesus.
Beautifully told Robin. I think of Rita every time I say even a decade of the rosary. She modeled a prayerful life for all of us. Rita always gave of herself to others. May she rest in Jesus’ arms and watch over all her loved ones from above.
When my mother was dying of Leukemia, Rita took her in and provided hospice care. For my Mother, I believe this was a true end of life blessing, as it showed her that she was loved and cared for, regardless of her actions in the past. For me, it showed the pure selflessness and love that Rita had in her heart, and I have never forgotten this act (20 years later). As a young college kid that was mourning the loss of my Mother, I never truly had a chance to thank Rita, but was finally able to let her know how important this was for me just this past Sunday. Thank you Rita for being a great example of God’s love for us here on this earth. I will always remember you and be forever grateful. Rest in peace.
Asking the Dear Lord to be with you during this time. I have good memories of times we were together in our younger years. May you find comfort in your memories of the good times yu shared.
Always so positive and encouraging, she never ended a conversation without saying, “I’ll pray for you and your family.” God already was in Rita’s life every day, so heaven is just a change of location. I envision her spirit, with her lovely smile, singing the words of the Magnificat (All That I Am), by David Haas: “All that I am sings of the God who brings new life to birth in me. My spirit soars on the wings of my Lord.”
Heartfelt condolences to Marvin and the family and Rita’s siblings. Farewell my lovely cousin! Bill and Lisa Arnold
In Loving Memory, Ed and Carol, Father Eric, Sarah, Jeff and Sarah, Emily and Ryan