Rita Vance Wagner

Rita, 91, died on Sunday afternoon September 6th, 2026, at home in Saratoga Springs, Utah. She is preceded in death by her infant son, Laurence David, husband William Dwaine Wagner, her parents, siblings, and a stepsister. She is survived by six children, twenty-four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and five Walser family step siblings.

Per Rita’s wishes, a luncheon will be held in place of a viewing and funeral. The luncheon will take place Saturday October 10th from 1–4 pm at 1273 S. Regal View Dr., Saratoga Springs, Utah. All who knew her are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A private burial will be held in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua at a later date.

The youngest of eight children, Rita Mae Vance, AKA “Pete” to her siblings, was born in Colonia Chuhuichupa, Chihuahua, Mexico on April 9th, 1935, to Anna Melissa Farnsworth and Robert Edward Vance. At four years old, she moved with her family to Mesa, Arizona where she lived until her last year of high school. After finishing high school in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, she studied social sciences at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. On a visit to Mexico, Dwaine caught her eye, and she chased him until he got the hint. They raised their children in Colonia Dublan near family, including many nieces and nephews who were always welcome in Aunt Rita’s home. She was generous with her time and talents and taught many friends and family the secret to making Aunt Ora’s fudge and Aunt Lucille’s pecan rolls. Rita said she loved being a mother and homemaker.

One of her cherished life experiences was the mission she and Dwaine served for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico City Temple. After their mission, they continued serving in the Colonia Juarez Temple. She felt that two of her favorite activities, researching family history to find lost relatives and reading mystery novels, had a lot in common.

Rita enjoyed nature. She loved peonies (which she called “pea-Oh-knees”), and sunflowers. She especially delighted in watching hummingbirds feed and quail scoot along with their offspring queueing closely behind.

During her last three years when she was forced into convalescence, she became a fan of college volleyball, football, and to a lesser degree, basketball. Mema Wagner was also always up for a game of Canasta with her grandchildren and anyone else who was prepared to lose. To all who visited, reached out, and sent their love, Rita would say, “Thank you, thank you, my heart sings.”

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.