Maria W. Wagers, 98, of Sonoma, Calif., died Feb. 16, 2001. Interment was at Santa Rosa Memorial Park in Santa Rosa, Calif.

Maria Wilhelmina Wagers was born March 5, 1902, in Fort Calhoun to John H. and Anna D. (Steffen) Wriedt. She was a graduate of Fort Calhoun High School.

On Jan. 4, 1922, she was married to Merlin D. Wagers, also of Fort Calhoun. He was employed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. The couple first lived at Winside, and for many years in Emerson, where he served in the capacity of depot agent.

Both Mrs. Wagers and her husband loved people. During the Depression, they had numerous young people living with them when their parents could not afford to keep them at home.

In 1961, when her husband retired, the couple moved to California, where they continued to help anyone who needed it. They were “Grandma” and “Grandpa” to many young people (now in their 40s.) Both believed in the innate goodness of mankind and both had a deep capacity to love. This was an inspiration to everyone.

Mrs. Wagers was very gifted. She was an artist, musician, writer, gardener and cook. She and her husband were both very involved in community affairs. She extended her love to abused animals. There was never an animal who feared her, and she had pet squirrels and birds who came and went in her home while still on their California ranch.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary E. Parker of Sonoma, Calif., seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a niece, Arline Broyhill of Pickstown, S.D., nephew, Clarence Stewart of South Sioux City, dear friend, Willa Mae McNair of Fort Calhoun, and a large extended adopted family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin, three children, John A Wagers, Donald M. Wagers and Dorothea M. Wagers, as well as seven brothers and sisters, and a grandson.

Memorials are suggested to Sonoma Fire-med, 18 Patten St., Sonoma, CA, 95476, or the donor’s choice.