Ruth Louise Wagner

Ruth Louise (Sauer) Wagner, 95, of St. Charles, MO formerly of Hannibal, MO passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Windsor Estates of St. Charles, MO. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hannibal. Pastor Matt Ver Meer and Rev. Dr. Andy Martinez will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park. Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the church. The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel in Hannibal. Ruth was born on May 29 ,1922 in Hannibal, MO the daughter of John Oscar and Elsie (Walter) Sauer. She was united in marriage to Donald E. Wagner on October 23, 1943, in Hannibal, MO. Together they shared over 50 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on September 24, 1994. Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Anton and husband Charles of St. Charles, MO and Donna Motley and husband Brad of Plano, TX; four grandchildren, Jill Anton Bosanquet (James), Clark Anton (Abbey), John P. Wagner (Mindy), and Brynn Motley; five great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister-in-law, Sarah Jane Sauer of Hannibal, MO; two special family members Pamela Wagner of Santa Fe, NM, and Mary Ann Wagner of St. Peters, MO; and three nieces and one nephew. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Wagner was preceded in death by one son John A. Wagner and one brother Martin Sauer. Ruth graduated from Hannibal High School and went on to further her education at Hannibal-LaGrange College and Chillicothe Business College. Ruth loved her family, friends and community. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild gave her such a sense of joy and she beamed with pride whenever they were around. Ruth and Don, married 50 years, were avid golfers who could be seen weekly walking the fairways of the Hannibal Country Club. Ruth looked forward to her bridge clubs and socializing with her friends. Frequent travel with family and friends was a must for both Ruth and Don and she continued her travels after his passing. Ruth was born and raised in Hannibal and she loved this small town. You could find her in the back office doing the books or up front talking to customers at Haydon Hardware, the business Don operated with partners Percy Haydon and Martin Sauer. Ruth and Don eventually became sole owners. Ruth loved her Lord and her lifelong church, First Presbyterian Church of Hannibal where she served as an Elder. She was a strong yet gentle spirit who lived her life with a smile and a wonderful laugh. Ruth also enjoyed being a member of the P.E.O. Chapter JH, Hannibal Arts Council, Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, and volunteering with the Hannibal Hospital Auxiliary. Pallbearers will be Charles Anton, Brad Motley, Clark Anton, John Wagner, Nick Wagner, and Jim Bosanquet. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation Research, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Ruth's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com