Martha Louise 'Sophie' Wagner, 81

Martha Louise “Sophie” Wagner “passed from this earthly life into the hands of her loving Lord, Jesus,” on May 19, 2011, in her home and in total peace.

Martha entered this life by being delivered on a pillow, so tiny and fragile.

At 2 years of age, she arrived at an orphanage with severe malnutrition and other medical issues. The doctors said she wouldn't live, and if she did, she would never walk.  Well, Martha not only lived, she made it 81 years, and “walking, sometimes dancing, the whole way with Jesus.”

As she grew up, she had many around her that loved her and nurtured her, and in spite of her situation she had a deep sense of compassion and developed a profound sense of humor, and grew into a loving and generous person.

 She married Joseph and was married for over 50 years, and that marriage produced two children, Linda and Richard. 

She worked many years at the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin. After retirement, she and Joseph moved to Montana to be close to their daughter. Martha loved to cook and it gave her joy to do lots of it for her loved ones. She made her last meal on Easter Sunday.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her son, Richard; and her brother, Carl.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Ruther; four grandchildren, Tina Vogt, and Aaron, Adam and Jacob Ruther; and two great-grandchildren, Dustin and Brooke.

She was amazing and loving, and will be greatly missed by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell.

 Contributions can be made in her memory to hospice or to any charity.

You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Martha's tribute wall.