WAGNER, JOANN
The family of Joann Wagner announces the news of her peaceful passing at the home of her daughter, Christina Rodriguez Scarpino in Ferrysburg, Michigan on March 23, 2024. The daughter of Robert and Lucy Ellsworth, she was born Joann Ellsworth in Alma, Michigan on April 5, 1941. Joann grew up in Alma and graduated from Alma High School in 1960 where, in addition to her studies, she enjoyed playing on the women’s basketball team. In her early years in Alma, she developed a deep passion for art, and began a lifetime of painting. While employed at J.J. Newberry in downtown Alma, she would paint the decorative windows for customers to enjoy during the holiday season. In 1961, she married Abe Rodriguez and together, they moved to Los Angeles where they welcomed Christina, Paul and Matthew into the world. She returned to Alma in 1972, where she embarked on a career as a school bus driver for Alma Public Schools, soon becoming a popular and respected driver who cared deeply for the personal lives of her passengers. She would come to know their names, where they lived, and the important things happening in their lives. She would continue serving generations of Alma students until her retirement in 2003. In 1978 she married Paul Wagner who she had known since high school. The family grew when Paul’s children Michele and Mike joined the blended family. Joann and Paul enjoyed their year-round second home near Lake Margrethe in Grayling, Michigan. Weekend after weekend, they would make the 90-mile trek from their home in St. Louis and open their cottage to family and friends. Whether boating in the summer, gathering wood in the fall, snowmobiling in winter or planting flowers in the spring, they embraced the opportunity to enjoy northern Michigan with their children, friends, and neighbors. One of Joann’s passions was quilting, and there was no greater gift than one of the hundreds of blankets she created in her lifetime. Each blanket, made with immense thought and love, served as a foundation for a meaningful story the recipients would share with others again and again. Her blankets were of the finest quality, individually crafted with a special meaning to showcase the recipients favorite color, accent the design of a nursery, or celebrate an important life event. Joann is preceded in death by her parents Bob and Lucy Ellsworth, and her brothers Gary Ellsworth and Doug Ellsworth. In death as in life, she is deeply loved by her husband, Paul Wagner, daughter Christina (Tim) Scarpino, son Paul (Glenda) Rodriguez, son Matthew (Tim Bowlin) Rodriguez, Stepdaughter Michele (John) Gutkowski, Stepson Michael (Jenny)wagner, her sister Janace (Richard) Mizer and nine grandchildren, Joe (Holly) Gutkowski, Natalie Wagner, Richard Gutowski, Blaire (Joey) Gambo, Nick Scarpino, Sara (Douglas) Bell, Andrew (Taylor) Gutkowski, Samuel Scarpino, and Vince Rodriguez. She loved her three great grandchildren, her nieces and nephews were all so very special to her. Funeral services will be held at The Nativity of the Lord, St. Louis, Michigan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 12 pm. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-moody-wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Joann’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers, Joann requests donations be made to St. Mary’s School at 220 Downie Street, Alma, MI 48801.