October 26, 2026

Linn County News

Published October 28, 2026

Our mom officially checked out at Homestead of Osawatomie with all of us there. She would have been happy knowing we were all present and accounted for.

Mom was born in Beloit, Kan., to Floyd and Wilma Woolman Melton. She was blessed with wonderful siblings, Ernie and Kay Melton, Judy Melton, Ione and Frank Roe, Beth and Clyde Amerine, Jackie and Steve Chapman. Her siblings remained some of her very best friends throughout her life, and she always loved their company.

After graduating from Beloit High School, Mom married our dad, Donald Wagner, on May 26, 1957. We have always been told that Dad's car was her first attraction, but his being a handsome country boy fresh out of the Army sealed the deal!

Before long, the children started arriving: Kelly Haupt, Dean and Patti Wagner, Julie Hutchison, and Michaela Darling. In the summer of 1965, we moved to La Cygne so Dad could manage the Tri-B Ranch. What a wonderful life we had there! We were blessed with the very best neighbors, many of whom remain our chosen family to this day.

Mom was the best room mother of all time, especially when it came to the Halloween parties. She would come to school in costume, and her own children wouldn’t even recognize her! Of course, we were embarrassed!! She also scared many generations of La Cygne children when they trick or treated at the “witches house.”  Looking back, those are the kinds of memories that make us smile.

We kids were raised as though we were the entire world to Mom and Dad. Christmas was always at the top of the list, and Mom made sure every occasion was special. There was always a home-cooked dinner and a baked treat waiting for us each night after school. Many times, there were extra guests and that was never a problem. Her house was immaculate. In fact, we used to think we were probably allergic to dust because of all the Pledge furniture polish she used throughout her life!

Mom and Dad were present at every event in which any of us participated. She was also a charter member of the Les Petites Bridge Club for many years as well as serving on the Library Board and as a La Cygne councilmember.  She was a member of the La Cygne Christian Church.

Then the grandchildren started arriving. Brooke and David, Kyle and Michelle, Kristin and Ty, Chad and Allie, Lauren and Colin, Drew and Brittany, Lark and Josh and Brityn. There wasn't one of them whom Mom didn't make feel like the favorite. Her candy basket was always available to anyone visiting her home, and she kept it that way for years. We enjoyed Easter egg hunts, fireworks displays, and wonderful Christmas celebrations together. When the great-grandchildren came along, they received that same special treatment and love. They are: Quinn, Carter, Wyatt, Laikyn, Claire, Cora, Dax, Cruz, Piper, Barrett, Maddox, Truman, Tatum, Hutch and Ace.

Mom was blessed with a beautiful family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her family was her pride and joy, and she made sure everyone knew just how much they were loved.

About two and a half years ago, Mom left her home and moved to Homestead of Osawatomie. The people who cared for mom and the residents there are truly angels on earth. They have been a blessing to our entire family, and through them, we gained even more wonderful people we now consider chosen family. We will always be grateful for the love and kindness they showed Mom.

The love of Mom's life, our dad, passed away in 2018. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her beloved sister and best friend, Judy; and her coffee pal and son-in-law, Greg Haupt.

Mom knew most people in our sweet little town and genuinely cared about each one of them. She had a way of making people feel seen and loved, and that is a gift we hope to carry forward. All conversation was held over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Those of us who remain will cherish Mom in our hearts until the day we join her and Dad again.

We love you, Mom. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the traditions, the unconditional love, and the family you helped build. Your love will continue to live on through all of us.