Alma Gertrude Wagner, of Independence, Missouri, formerly of Sharon, Pennsylvania, passed away Sunday (7/17/2016) in Rosewood Health and Rehabilitation Center, Independence, MO following an extended illness. She was 87.

Mrs. Wagner was born March 28, 1929 in Sharon, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John L. and Cecilia Hammond Sullivan.

She was a 1947 graduate of Sharon High School.

She was a homemaker and member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage and the St. John XXIII Home Auxiliary.

When people ask, "What does Alma enjoy?", there seems to be only one answer… people. She loved being around people and could make a friend wherever she went.

As a teenager growing up in Sharon, she became lifelong friends with the members of the "secret club," the TUAM'S. Alma's kids are still trying to figure out what those letters mean.

Alma always had a smile and a little ornery streak that made people laugh. She will be remembered for her faith and devotion to her church. When we recall Alma, it will evoke memories of the fun and special moments we shared.

Alma, "Our Wild Irish Rose, the sweetest flower that grows. You may search everywhere but none can compare with our Wild Irish Rose."

Her husband, Hobart "Hobie" Wagner, whom she married October 1, 1955, passed away February 17, 1981.

Alma is survived by four daughters; Mary Ann Wagner and her husband Jesse Marquez, Flower Mound, Texas; Bernadette Tayson and her husband Chris, Prescott, Wisconsin; Patricia Score and her husband Thomas, Coram, New York; and Susan Johnson and her husband Glenn, Flower Mound, Texas; two sons; Michael Wagner, Salina, Kansas; and Joseph Wagner and his wife Sharon, Lee's Summit, Missouri; two sisters, Sister Bernadette Sullivan and Sister Cecilia Sullivan, both of the Order of St. Benedict, Erie, PA; and one brother, Timothy L. Sullivan and his wife Donna, Westerville, Ohio. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren; Becky Hove Smeaton and her husband Brad; Heidi, Charles and Brian Tayson; Kylie, Dillon and Jordon Score; Michael Wagner Jr., and Evelina Wagner; and Matthew, Emily, and Phillip Johnson.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Alma is preceded in death by four sisters; Mary Curry, Clara Petrini, Cecilia Bracken and Teresa Marie Sullivan; and four brothers; John, William, Edward and James Sullivan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association @ ALZ.org to assist with Alzheimer's research.

Calling hours: The family will receive friends from 10-11 in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148

Services:   Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2016 in the church, with Rev. Jeffery J. Noble, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State Street, Sharon.