Mary Ella Riddle Wagner, age 86, of the Pensacola Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. She was a daughter of the late Kermit Riddle and Gladys Riddle. Mary is also preceded in death by her sister, Rosalie Pate, and brothers: Ben Riddle and Robert Riddle.
After graduating from Burnsville High School where she was involved in basketball and softball, Mary ventured to Alaska, making it her home at 18.
Mary was a member of Badger Road Baptist Church in North Pole, Alaska, and later at Cocoa Beach Baptist Church in Florida. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her commitment and deep love of family.
She loved cooking, baking, and enjoyed skiing and embraced Alaska outdoor lifestyle. She faithfully visited her family in Burnsville. After retiring from the State of Alaska, she extended her travels. Each year, she and her husband, Ken, would make their annual drive from Alaska to North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia to visit her children, grandchildren, and brother, then finally to Cocoa Beach, Florida to spend the winter, then returned back to Alaska. She also enjoyed many trips to Hawaii to visit her granddaughters, as well as trips to Australia and New Zealand. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family.
Surviving is her loving husband of 39 years, Kenneth Wagner; children: Mark Douglas Riddle of Burnsville, North Carolina, and Lecia Farr of Colonial Beach, Virginia; stepchildren: Ken Wagner II (Lara Acosta) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; along with five grandchildren; Melissa Riddle, Hilary Riddle, Daniel Farr, Katie Haagen and Amilyn Wagner.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Eddie McMahan Cemetery. Doctor Chris Morgan will officiate.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservices.com.
