Jane Wagner

In Loving Memory

Mary Jane Wagner

Born: December 18, 1938 — Creston, Iowa

Passed: November 17, 2025 — Rio Rancho, New Mexico

OBITUARY

Mary Jane Wagner, 87, passed away on November 17, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. 

Mary Jane Wagner was born with grace, grit, and enduring wit. She left this life held in the same deep affection she faithfully poured into others.

Jane was born at home in Creston, Iowa, on December 18, 1938, to Theressa Mary (Truman)Edaburn and Ralph James Edaburn, and grew up alongside her brothers Jean (deceased, wife Dottie) and Harold, who now resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Patty.

At age 14, Jane moved with her family to New Mexico—a change she remembered fondly for one very specific joy: their new home had a bathroom with a real tub and shower. After years of wash-tub baths in the kitchen back in Iowa, she often laughed that it felt like pure luxury. Though she made a life in the Southwest, she always carried a deep love for her Iowa roots.

Jane met the love of her young life, Jerry Thomas Bingham, on a blind date. Their connection was immediate. With Jerry preparing to leave for Korea through his service in the U.S. AirForce, the two eloped in Belen, New Mexico, on February 18, 1956. She was just 17, and though her parents were not thrilled at the time, the marriage grew into a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, humor, and unwavering family love. After Jerry passed away in 1999, Jane faced her grief with quiet strength. In time, her life was brightened once again when she met Clarance Lee Wagner; a year later they were married. So began a new chapter of companionship and steady, gentle care that lasted until Clarance’s passing in 2022.

Jane is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law: Terry and Joleen Bingham, David and Connie Bingham, Rodney and Kim Bingham, and Andrew and Sherry Bingham. Jane also leaves behind her grandchildren: Stephen, Christopher, Joshua, Jonathan, Kristen, Megan, Brian, Angela, Aaron, Alex, Austin, William, and Charity. She had 22 great-grandchildren and 3great-great-grandchildren. Jane is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Patrick, Lori, Jamie, Kelly, Jimmy, Benjamin, William, Robert, Susan, and Bob Schneider, each of whom held a special place in her heart throughout her long and generous life. Jane and her niece Susan shared an especially deep and enduring bond; she loved Susan like a daughter. Their closeness began early, and one story has remained a favorite in the family: Jane and Jerry’s sister Wanda had babies, Susan and Terry, just one month apart. One day, while Jane was pushing the two of them down the street in their pram, a gentleman stopped to admire them and asked if they were twins. With her trademark wit, Jane replied, “Yes, but one is one month older than the other!” leaving the gentleman completely baffled and everyone else thoroughly amused.

To her family, Jane was comfort, laughter, and quiet strength. She had a gentle wit and a generous spirit, creating a home where everyone felt welcomed and known. Her grandsons Stephen and Joshua fondly remember that she made the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches—so memorable, in fact, that Joshua still tries to recreate that exact sandwich for his daughter to this day. Jane’s legacy is one of resilience, warmth, and the stories she carried—stories of Iowa, young love, and a life shaped by faith, family, and the beauty she found in both challenge and joy. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.