Darlene Wagner

Darlene Marrilyn Backman Wagner of Las Vegas, NV passed away at 92 on 6 July 2015 in her home under the care of her dedicated daughter, Linda Johnson, and granddaughter, Tammi Haynes and all others who lovingly gave care including hospice.  She was born 5 Nov 1922 to John Peter Backman and Ellen (Nellie) Benson Backman.  As a youngster she enjoyed sports, and played the piano and clarinet. She met Woodrow Wilson Wagner, in Salt Lake City, UT at the Covey’s Coconut Grove Ballroom in 1939 and was impressed by his southern manners.  They were married 18 Sept 1940. They moved to the Los Angeles area, Boulder City and Henderson before building their home in Las Vegas in 1954.  She was diligent in rearing her 8 children while Woody worked as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad.  Darlene was the Nevada Mother of the Year in 1981.  She loved all of her posterity and was happy for their accomplishments.  She was richly blessed with 44 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  Her faith in Jesus Christ and her testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was unwavering throughout her life. She loved music and enjoyed serving in her church as the chorister and choir director among other callings.  Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, parents, all five siblings, two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren. She is survived by one brother-in-law, Alva Rawdon Sr. of Salt Lake City, Utah; her children: Woodrow (Janice), Linda (Ned) Johnson, Marrilyn (Richard) Haynes, Ron (Connie), Steven (Barbara), Shelly (Steve) Harter all of Las Vegas and John (Doni) of Cedar City, UT and Victoria (Paul) Smart of Preston, ID.  A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, 16 July from 6-8 p.m. @ Bunkers Mortuary, 925 North Las Vegas Blvd. The viewing on Friday, 17 July at 10-10:45 a.m. will be at the LDS Charleston Chapel, 3400 W. Charleston Blvd. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Bunkers Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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