Mary Claire (Benz) Wagner, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on May 4, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, in St. Peters, Missouri. She was born September 10, 1932, to Arthur and Clara (Goethe) Benz. She had one older sister, Dorothy (Benz) Wagner, 3 older brothers, Arthur Jr., Edward, and Glennon Benz, and one younger sister, Jane (Benz) Eise.

She graduated from Rosati-Kain High School in 1950 and married Francis A. Wagner of Troy, Missouri, on October 21, 1950. Their marriage demonstrated God’s design as they were true partners in every effort. To this union were born David, Steven, Patricia, and Susan Wagner. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and then grandmother.

Mary was known by many names: “Mitzi,” Mom, “Magam.” Grandma, Great-grandma, Great-Great Grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. She poured out her life loving and serving her family and friends. She wore many hats as well: homemaker, life skills teacher, DIYA-er, home construction worker, and many more. If her family was involved in it, Mary was there to participate, facilitate, and encourage.

She was a Proverbs 31 woman. Her children and grandchildren would rise up and call her blessed, as they were blessed by her. She was not just a grandmother, she was a friend and mentor who played basketball, ran cross country, played Legos and dress-up, and taught to sew and quilt. She was incredibly generous with her time, energy, and resources.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Francis, her parents and 4 siblings, son Steven Wagner, daughter Susan Greenwood, grandsons Brendon and Alan Wagner, Jonathan and Paul Thompson, granddaughter Grace Thompson.

She is survived by sister Jane Eise, son David Wagner, daughter Patty (Everett) Thompson, son-in-law Rick Greenwood, daughters-in-law Jody Wagner, Janet Wagner, grandchildren Michael (Gen) Wagner, Laurel (Joseph) Mason, Nick Wagner, Nancy (Allan) Enriquez, Christy (Steve) DeLaPorte, Ben Thompson, Andrew Thompson, Mary (Joel) Roberts, Joshua Thompson, Joseph (Zali) Thompson, Ericca (Travis) Thornhill, Cathy (Tom) Noble, Bridget (Chris) Beacom, Emma (Quentin) Kuntz, and Stephanie (Tommy) Sellars, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held at The Abbey Senior Health Chapel at 206 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 at 11am, May 27, 2026. Inurnment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Troy, MO, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Abbey Senior Health Activity Department, which provided Mary with many hours of pleasure.