Sue Ann Wagner

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” Proverbs 31:10

On the calm & peaceful Friday evening of April 19th, 2024, Sue Ann Ellis Wagner went home to her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sue Ann was born in Duncan, Oklahoma to Harry Lamonte Ellis & Freddy Sue Pruitt Ellis on December 21st, 1949, both of whom preceded her to heaven. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Larry, and her favorite father-in-law, affectionately known as “Daddy Bob.”

“All the days of her life, she brought goodness to her family.” Proverbs 31:12 Sue Ann is survived by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Don Wagner, who deeply cherished her. She is also survived by her three children: sons Josh Wagner and wife, Miranda of Oklahoma City, John Wagner and wife, Courtney of Moore, and daughter, Julia Wagner Leinen and husband, Jason Leinen of Oklahoma City. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Abby and husband Connor, Danielle, Brianna, Jasmine, Jocelyn, Payden, J.D., and Jemma. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Cathy Morrow and husband Jim, and Jill Ellis as well as countless cousins.

Sue Ann Ellis Wagner exemplified the Proverbs 31 woman. To her family, she was far more precious than jewels. She joyfully professed her faith in Jesus Christ at the age of nine. Sue Ann was crowned Miss Duncan in 1970 and then graduated from OU’s College of Nursing in 1972. Later that summer on August 5th, she married the love of her life, Don Wagner. As they would attest, their love stood the test of time, not because they are great, but because their God is great. Their love story which began at the OU BSU in the fall of 1969, has inspired and aided their three children in their own marriages and we pray will also be reflected in the next generation. Their marriage has consisted of fifty-one years of love and laughter- mostly at Don’s “dad jokes.”

Sue Ann was dedicated in her career in obstetrics as an RNC-OB, working in labor & deliver and in teaching Childbirth Education classes at Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville for 26 years and then as a biofeedback therapist in both Bartlesville and Houston before her retirement from healthcare in 2006. Like the Excellent Wife of Proverbs 31 who “opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy,” Sue Ann’s spiritual gift was certainly mercy as she ministered to countless patients spiritually and logged innumerable volunteer hours of childbirth education teaching at various crisis pregnancy centers. She championed the rights of the unborn all her life.

It seems Sue Ann was created to be a Mom and it is the role in which she most thrived. She lovingly and selflessly cared for her kids and was the anchor that held the Wagner family together. She became a second Mom to many of her children’s friends and always had an affectionate word of encouragement for them in person, via text, and on social media. As time went by and seasons changed, what did not change was her belief that God was worthy of praise. Vocal music was her chosen mode of worship and her home resonated with hymns and her beautiful voice. Growing up in a home full of music was a blessing for her children, and Sue Ann continued to sing in adult choirs her entire life.

Sue Ann’s favorite title was always “Grandmother” to her beloved eight grandchildren. Doting on them and making Christmas cookies together were among her favorite things. She loved her grandchildren deeply and served as their most fierce prayer warrior. The legacy Sue Ann leaves to them is one of a woman of the highest virtue. She dedicated her whole life to the glory of the Lord. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” Proverbs 31:28-30

Sue Ann’s family will host a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th at John Ireland Funeral Home in Moore. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 26th at 1:00 PM at Eagle Heights Church, Oklahoma City. Donations may be made in Sue Ann’s name to either the OU Baptist Collegiate Ministry at oubcm.com or Eden Clinic in Norman at friendsofeden.com.

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