Anita McClure Wagner, 89, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Ashland, Kentucky on August 10, 1936, the cherished only child of John H. and Jane McClure. She often spoke of the profound role they played in shaping the person she became. Her love and devotion to her parents were central to her life. Many of her earliest and fondest memories were formed on her grandparents' Kentucky farm, where days were shaped by family, land, and a deep sense of belonging that stayed with her throughout her life.

Anita became a Christian at an early age. From that time on, her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ became her guiding light. Her trust in God shaped every part of her life and quietly sustained everyone around her. Homecoming at Gallup Methodist Church was a cherished Labor Day tradition. Her family gathered there faithfully for dinners on the ground, gospel preaching and singing.

Anita attended Marshall University where she met the love of her life, Cecil Wagner. The couple moved to Michigan after they married, where Anita completed her degree at Central Michigan and afterwards taught school. Cecil's and Anita's connection was immediate and enduring. They shared a beautiful bond that lasted throughout their sixty-year marriage.

When Cecil joined Johnson & Johnson, he and Anita set out on a lifelong adventure that allowed them to live and travel across the breadth of the U.S. They took special pleasure in driving along back roads and enjoying the beauty of our country. They were blessed with many deep and lasting friendships throughout their lives, relationships they cherished dearly.

Anita devoted herself to her family and to her calling of care. She welcomed her children, David and Kathy who were the center of her world. As her family grew, with marriages and grandchildren, that deep love remained unshakeable until Anita's final breath. She had a profound love for her three grandchildren, Ella, Grace, and Jack. She delighted in each one, treasuring them deeply. She invested intentionally in them building a legacy that will shape them for the rest of their lives.

She was a consistent letter and card writer to her friends and family. No problem was too big or too small to be prayed for, noticed, and lovingly addressed. She listened with care, prayed with confidence, and counseled with grace. She was a faithful student of the Bible, drawing daily strength and wisdom from Scripture.

Anita was a gracious and thoughtful host and a kind, attentive friend. The door to her home was always wide open. That home was known for its warmth and welcome, from parties, church care groups, and celebrations. For Anita and Cecil these gatherings were a source of great joy.

Anita was active in every church she joined. She had a special gift for teaching and counseling young women. One of the joys at the end of her life was the fellowship she had as a member of New Life Community Church of Concord and the friends she cherished at the weekly Wednesday night women's Bible study.

Anita McClure Wagner lived a life shaped by faith, defined by kindness, and poured out in love prayer by prayer, letter by letter, life by life.

She is survived by her son David Wagner (Elizabeth) and daughter Kathy Miller (Howard); her grandchildren Grace Miller, Jack Miller, and Ella Wagner; her sister-in-law Janet Wagner, and numerous cousins and friends who were all part of her wide, lovingly tended circle.

The family is sincerely thankful for the staff of the Critical Care Unit at Emerson Hospital, whose kindness and loving care were a true blessing to Anita and her family and a reflection of Christ's compassion.

Burial took place in Lincoln, Massachusetts, in a private ceremony. A memorial service celebrating Anita's life is being planned for Saturday, May 30, 2026.  More information will be shared here soon.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Evangelical Institute, 700 N. Parker Rd., Greenville, SC 29609, Wears Valley Ranch, 100 One Fine Place, Sevierville, TN 37862, or Truth for Life, PO Box 398000, Cleveland OH 44139.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.