Obituaries

Margaret Ann Wagner, 84, of Covington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026.

Born on August 1, 1941, in Covington, Kentucky, Margaret was the beloved daughter of the late William Earl Wimsatt and Mary (née Mattingly). She carried with her the strength and spirit of her upbringing throughout her life — a life marked by independence, determination, and a whole lot of fire in that little body.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Wagner, with whom she shared many cherished years. Together they built a family that became the very center of her world.

She is survived by her loving children: Mark Wagner (Mimi), Diana Green (Clinton), Michael Wagner (Diana), Steven Wagner (Teri), Linda Garland (Thomas), and Daniel Wagner (Amy). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to twelve grandchildren and a great-grandmother to two, with one more precious great-grandchild on the way. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her deepest joy.

She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Wimsatt, and her sister-in-law, Carol Wagner

Margaret was fiercely independent and rarely sat still. She loved long walks, swimming, and tending to her yard — taking pride in keeping everything just so. Her hands were rarely idle; she found peace and purpose in quilting, creating pieces that will forever wrap her family in warmth and memory.

The holidays were her time to shine. Margaret especially loved Christmas and Thanksgiving, joyfully hosting gatherings where no one left hungry and everyone felt welcome. She had a special fondness for collecting nutcrackers, each one carefully displayed as part of her treasured holiday traditions.

A devoted reader, Margaret could often be found with a good murder mystery in hand. She never missed her favorite shows — Murder, She Wrote, NCIS, Bones, and Forensic Files — always eager to solve the case before the final reveal. She enjoyed a good mystery both on the page and on the screen.

Above all, Margaret never met a stranger. She had a way of striking up conversations wherever she went, leaving people smiling and feeling like they had known her for years. Her warmth, strength, and spirited nature made her unforgettable to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Burlington, Kentucky, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m., Entombment will be private and held at a later date.

Though her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the quilts she stitched, the stories she shared, and the fierce love she gave so freely. Margaret’s fire, faith, and love will continue to light the way for generations to come.