Betty Louise Wagner was born Jan 3, 1930, in Glendale, CA and passed to her rest on Aug 4, 2026 in Colfax, WA at the age of 96. Betty Louise Adams was the daughter of Joseph Henry and Thelma Harter Adams, who raised their two daughters in California, Oregon and Washington. Betty graduated from Walla Walla Adventist Academy in 1948 and married Leslie Cook that summer. Two children, Michael Cook and Debbie Cook Lamb were born of this union. The family lived mostly in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.

Betty worked various jobs, and for many years she assisted Dr. Morphis in his dental practice. On April 28, 1972, Betty married Robert (Bud) Wagner in Pond Oreille, WA. This union proved to be happy and enduring, lasting until Bud passed away in 2025. With the five sons of Bud, (Gary, Rob, Rick, Russell and Jeffrey) they enjoyed a rich and extensive family life with many grandchildren. Betty loved each and every one, and was a present and loving grandmother.

Bud and Betty settled on the Wagner farm near Farmington, WA. Betty was soon involved in all aspects of rural life including wheat harvests, gardening, canning, and caring for grandchildren and aging parents. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and many hours crafting ceramic gifts for friends and family. She loved to make their home an inviting place for family and visitors alike. She loved to cook and try new recipes and host gatherings. Betty also loved to travel with their motorhome, ride motorcycles with Bud, and visit new places. They loved to spend time at Lake Pend Oreille; boating, sailing, fishing, spending time with the grandkids, and generally living life to the fullest. In their retirement years, winters were spent in the deserts of Arizona and California, enjoying the sun.

Bud and Betty were always active members of their community. They became “First Responders.” They hosted voting at their house. Betty was an active member of the Farmington Seventh-Day Adventist Church, fulfilling various roles there, and later in the Palm Springs, CA Seventh-Day Adventist Church during the winters spent there.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Thelma Adams, her husband, Bud Wagner, and one step-son, Rick Wagner, and one grandson, Mark Wagner. She is survived by one sister, Gwen Bromgard, and two nieces. She is also survived by her two children: Michael Cook and his wife Frances, and Debbie Cook Lamb and her husband, Dean. And also by four step-sons: Gary Wagner and wife Linda, Rob Wagner, Russell Wagner and wife Carla, Jeff Wagner and wife Kristen, and Debbie Little. Betty is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and more who call her Grandma plus a host of other family and friends.