Betty Ann Wagar Obituary and Memorial

Mrs. Betty Ann Barnreuther Wagar, 89, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024. Born on April 7, 1935, in Paducah, Kentucky, Betty was the daughter of John Hans Barnreuther and Louise Erwin Barnreuther. Her father, a German immigrant from Bavaria, arrived in the United States through Ellis Island in 1929 and became a U.S. citizen in 1937.

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  Faith and Church Involvement
  Betty's faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Murray, where she participated in various activities:
  Member of the Phoebian Sunday School class
  Member of the MAGIC senior adult group
  Member of the Sharon Wells Mission Group
  Volunteer in the church nursery and library
  Sunday School teacher for second grade
   
• Education and Career
  Betty's educational journey and professional life were marked by dedication to learning and teaching:
  Graduated from Paducah Junior College in the 1960s
  Taught kindergarten at Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah
  Earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Murray State University
  Taught special education at Murray Middle School for 24 years
  Continued as a substitute teacher at Murray High School after retirement
  Member of Calloway County Retired Teachers Association
   
• Personal Life
  Betty married Robert "Jack" Wagar on February 5, 1951, in Corinth, Mississippi. Their 68-year marriage was filled with shared interests:
  Enjoyed camping as members of The Good Sam Camping Club
  Loved their dachshunds: Ret, Buddy, and Heidi
  Shared a passion for Christian and gospel music
   
• Family
  Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jack, daughter Cindy Wagar Hill, and several other family members. She is survived by:
  Daughters: Rebecca Wagar Cunningham (Randy) and Jane Wagar Chapman (Al)
  Son-in-law: David Hill (Debbie)
  Six grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren
  Sister: Nancy Barnreuther Detrick
• 
  Funeral Arrangements
  Service: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Murray
  Officiant: Rev. Keith Inman
  Vocalists: Mike Rose and Keith Inman
  Pianist: Eleanor Spry
  Burial: Murray City Cemetery
  Visitation: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at First Baptist Church
   
• Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Cindy Hill Nursing Scholarship Fund or First Baptist Church – World Missions.