Muriel Irene (Zeigler) Wagner

Muriel Irene Wagner, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 85. Born on January 6, 1938, in Ionia, Michigan, Muriel was the cherished daughter of Elmer and Clarabella (Ward) Ziegler.

Muriel's life was marked by a deep sense of family, both the one she was born into and the one she created. Coming from a large family, she embraced the warmth and love that family provided. Known affectionately as "mom and grandma" by many, Muriel extended her nurturing spirit beyond biological ties, treating everyone she met as if they were part of her own kin.

A graduate of the Class of 1957 from Ionia High School, Muriel carried with her a strong sense of community and connection throughout her life. Muriel had a keen interest in people and enjoyed people watching, always keeping a close eye on her neighbors, creating a bond that made her community feel like an extended family. This genuine concern for others exemplified her compassionate and caring personality.

Growing up in a family of stock car racers, Muriel developed a love for the thrill of racing, a passion she carried with her until the very end. Her zest for life and adventure was evident in her continued enjoyment of the sport.

Among Muriel's greatest joys were her fur babies, with a special place in her heart reserved for her cherished chihuahua, Sassy.

Muriel is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin Wagner; daughter, Cherity Wagner; siblings, Bayliss, Ernest, Wilma, VernaBelle, Winifred, Raymond, Neil, Roy, Shirley, Melva, and Bonita and their spouses; and brother-in-law, Dick Sanders. Surviving are her children, Penny (Dean) Hoppough, Robert (Melinda) Wagner, and Timothy (Danny) Wagner; grandchildren, Jammie Lynn, Torrina (Cody), Tyann (Will), Deana, Felicia, Heather, Christian, and Cesar; great-grandchildren, Karina, Jordyn, Jaggar, Ellary, Dillan, Elizabeth, and Jayden; sister, Neola Sanders and special family, Joshua Chandler.

A special thank you to Muriel’s caretakers who became family, Renee and Danielle and to Emmanuel Hospice for their friendship, care, and compassion given over the years.

A visitation honoring Muriel will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich Street, Ionia. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Ionia. A Celebration of Life and time for remembrance will also be held in May. The day and time will be announced in the obituary in the coming months. For those wishing, contributions may be made to RAVE (http://www.raveim.org/) in memory of Muriel. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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