Mary Wagner Wiltse

Mary Wagner Wiltse, 93, of Colorado Springs CO and formerly of Decatur Il, Epworth Heights Ludington, MI, Lake Forest Il, Longboat Key FL, and Scottsdale AZ died January 6, 2024. In lieu of a remembrance service, her daughter and granddaughters will have a private celebration of Mary’s life per her request.

Born on April 18, 1930, in Decatur, Il, Mary was known for her artistry in needlepoint, her love of travel, her quick humor and her devotion to family. After a brief career as a secretary at Lake Forest College, Mary enjoyed many leisure years living in her two favorite places, Longboat Key FL where she loved to swim, attend theater, and walk the beach, and Scottsdale AZ where she attended boarding school as a teen and shared fond memories of horseback riding around Camelback Mountain. Mary traveled the world, visiting historical sights and studying ancient and contemporary needlework techniques. Despite her many passions, Mary’s unwavering priority was her family. As a parent and grandparent, she created every opportunity possible to celebrate life and she lived by the words “I’m always here for you, no matter what.” She will be deeply missed and impossible to replace.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John A Wagner and Elizabeth Lamme Wagner, her brother, John A. “Jack” Wagner, Jr., and her son-in-law Edgar Steven Ezell. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Nihan Estrada, her granddaughters Emma Marie Estrada and Adan Elizabeth Estrada, her former son-in-law Albert Joseph Estrada Jr, her nephews, John A. Wagner III, and David William Wagner her great nieces and nephews Jillian Wagner, Andrew Wagner and Morgan Wagner Guinn.