Helen A Wagner

Helen’s life began on March 9, 1931 near Gridley, Kansas. She is the daughter of Floyd and Myrtle (Jasper) Stone. Helen was educated in Gridley and Lamont and later went to Emporia State Teacher’s College where she earned her Master’s degree in Education. She was united in marriage to fellow educator Kenneth E. Wagner on September 20, 1949 in Yates Center. Helen taught school for USD 490 at both Skelly Elementary and El Dorado Middle School, most of her years in sixth grade. She was Kansas Teacher of the Year in 1981, Kansas Master Teacher in 1991, inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame in 1991, listed among Who’s Who in American Education, and the Who’s Who of Midwest American Women. Helen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Senior Ambassadors, an avid bowler, golfer and slot machine player. She loved to travel and enjoyed square dancing with Kenneth. Her loving family includes her children Karen Gruver of El Dorado and Kirk (Doris) Wagner of Wichita; daughter in law Julia Wagner of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Kenneth E. Wagner II of LA., Kyle Wagner of CA., Jennifer (Brian) Chasak of Desoto, Laura Wagner of Santa Fe, NM., Megan (Eric) Smith of Haysville, Derek Swope of Denver, Brandon Balman of Wichita and Shaunna Miller of Wichita; great grandchildren Sophia, McKaelynn, Karsten, Coban and Madaline. Helen passed away on May 1, 2018 in Wichita. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, son Kent Wagner and son in law Robert Gruver. Her family will gather with friends on Saturday from 9-10 a.m.at the First Christian Church where her funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. led by Pastor Stan Seymour and Pastor Ruth Waite. She will be laid to rest in Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia. Carlson Colonial Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be directed to USD 490 Partners in Education: The Kenneth and Helen Wagner Fund. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Helen at www.carlsoncolonial.com.

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