Trending
On Wednesday July 22, 2026, God called home his faithful servant, Mary Frances Wagner. She was born in her family home in Derry Township, Lewistown, on April 7, 1939, to the late Paul A. and Paulene (Long) Parson.
Mary was blessed to grow up with five brothers and three sisters. Mary had many dear friends in school, but none like her best friend, Barb Parson. Mary soon met William Maurice Wagner and fell in love. Bill and Mary made a lasting covenant of marriage on February 22, 1959, and were blessed with two children, Deborah and William D. Through the years she witnessed the marriages of her children followed by the births of her grandchildren. Deb married Joseph L. Benner, Sr. and had three children: Joseph L. Benner, Jr., Stacey and Tracey. William married Doreen Rinck and had two children: Tiffany Rinck and Zachary.
Mary worked during her school years at the local Five and Ten store before devoting many years to the Beavertown Weaving Mill. Mary was found weaving, stocking the break room with snacks, and even coordinating functions and celebrations for the employees at the mill. After the Beavertown Weaving Mill closed, she needed to find a way to keep herself busy. With the help of her granddaughters, she studied and earned her GED. She was hired by Conestoga Wood Co. in Beavertown and later worked in the deli at Saylor's Market.
When not at work, Mary was busy serving others at St. Paul's Reformed Church, Beavertown Fire Co., the Troxelville Community Hall, the MACC or crocheting for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. If you didn't find Mary making meals, serving and helping others, you could find her enjoying time with her family and close friends.
After 51 years together in marriage, through sickness and health, Bill was called home to Heaven in 2010. Mary cared for him and loved him dearly. Mary was surrounded by love when she passed away in her cherished home that she and Bill built together.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Pat (Ken) Smith, Harry Parson, Bill (Sis) Parson, Martha Wagner, Connie (Harold) Wagner, sister-in-law Helen Parson, and brother-in-law James (Emily) Wagner.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren: Joseph L. Benner, Jr (Vonna) have Alex, Austin, Aaron; Tiffany (Rich) Hess have Raiden, Kerrigan; Stacey (Gerald) Hostetler have Weston, Cooper, Aurora; Tracey (Jason) Mitchell have Irvin, Elizabeth, Jace, Lillian; Zachary (Heather) Wagner have Kennedy and Emersyn. She is also survived by brothers: Paul (LouAnn) Parson, Lewis Parson, Barry (Becky) Parson and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.
Mary's family appreciates the loving care provided by Wellspan Hospice and her personal caregivers that allowed her to be at home.
Services will be held at St. Paul's Reformed Church, Beavertown on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral. Burial will follow in Troxelville Union Cemetery, Troxelville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Shriner's Hospital Development Dept. 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Arrangements are by Hummel Funeral Home, 574 Hill Street, Middleburg.