Darlene K. Wagner

Darlene K. Wagner, 76, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away on October 12, 2026, at Parkview Wabash Hospital in Wabash. She was born on December 12, 1949, in Wabash, Indiana to Marvin and Wilma Bernice (Kling) Keaffaber.

On January 15, 1967, Darlene married Jack L. Wagner, beginning a marriage so close that through the years it was hard to think of one without the other. Together they were blessed with two daughters, Angela and Debora, and built a life centered on family, love, and the comforts of home.

Darlene was a homemaker and also worked at Manchester Metals as a Core Maker for nine years before retiring in 2012. She enjoyed a quiet life with her family and found happiness in caring for those she loved. She was especially known for baking her wonderful pies, a gift that brought warmth and sweetness to many family gatherings.

Her greatest joy was the time she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those moments became treasured memories through simple, loving traditions: watching Family Feud together, making breakfast on late school days, baking side by side, enjoying sleepovers, and always keeping chocolate on hand for the grandkids. A year after Jack’s passing on November 12, 2024, Darlene welcomed a dog named Bridgett into her life, and the companionship helped fill the lonely hours.

The loving memory of Darlene K. Wagner will be forever cherished by her daughters, Angela (Juan) Ramirez and Debora (Noble) Bolen, both of North Manchester; sister, Nancy (John) Jimenez, Claypool; brother, Ernest Francis, Warsaw; grandchildren, Nicole Wagner, Leah Ortiz, Jacob Anderson, Dylan Hoffmeyer, and Juan Ramirez; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Darelene was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Keaffaber; mother, Wilma Keaffaber; step-mother, Barbara (Spears) Keaffaber; husband, Jack Wagner; sisters, Lois Britton and Pam Damron; and great-grandson, Cameron Wayne Hackworth.

A celebration of Darlene’s life will take place in the spring. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Servia, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Darlene Wagner, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

The family of Darlene K. Wagner has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.