Christy Wagner

On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the age of 74, Christy Wagner left her worldly cares and pain behind to go to her heavenly home. Christy Rand was born on April 19, 1949, to Herbert and Ema Delle Rand in El Paso, Texas. She was the oldest and wisest of their three children. (Her two younger brothers would undeniably admit this…LOL!) Christy graduated from Austin High School where she excelled in academics, played varsity tennis, and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Butch Wagner. “Butch & Chris” were inseparable and soon tied the knot on September 6, 1969, at Altura Presbyterian Church. Two-years later they were proud new parents to their son, Carl, and in 1974, they welcomed their daughter, Amber. Now the happy family was a perfect fit for that “table for 4.”

In her early years as “ma-ma,” Christy’s life revolved around the family, church, and raising these two well-behaved, never fighting, delightful kids. (Right, Amber?) Christy put both of her degrees from UTEP to work as an RN in the newborn nursery at Thomason General and Providence Memorial Hospital and as a teacher at Jefferson High, Cedar Grove Elementary, and H.E. Charles Middle School where she finished her teaching career, retired at 55, and was honored by the El Paso Independent School District for 20 years of outstanding service.

Christy loved to work challenging math and word puzzles in addition to being a “professional marathon reader!” She had a collection of books and novels that could fill up a small-town library! She was very active and enjoyed playing tennis, going for walks, talking with friends on the phone, and traveling by car to the family’s favorite vacation destination – SAN DIEGO! There is no telling how much rubber we burned on I-10 back and forth from El Paso to California almost every year. Her kindheartedness, clever sense of humor, positive personality, and big friendly smile were lifelong attributes that brought joy and happiness to everyone around her.

Christy believed in God, loved the Lord Jesus, and was well-studied in the Scriptures. She was very active in the Presbyterian Church, served on many sessions, taught Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, volunteered for various charities, and served as a deacon. Her desire to do good things for those less fortunate was a driving force in her life – a life she lived to the fullest. Christy was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ema Delle Rand; father, Herbert Rand; and youngest brother, Jeff Rand. She is survived by her younger brother, Russel Rand; son, Carl Wagner (Stephanie); daughter, Amber Ferguson (Otis); grandson, Evan Ferguson (Caralie); granddaughter, Tess Ferguson; 3-month-old great-granddaughter, Pepper Ferguson; and her loving husband of 54 years, Dennis “Butch” Wagner, Jr.

Visitation will be Friday, October 20, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home, 12400 E. Montana, El Paso, TX 79938. Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison, El Paso, TX 79902. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery East. Upon conclusion, a reception will be held at First Presbyterian Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Wagner family may be shared at www.evergreenfheast.com