Nelle Frances "Fran" Wagner

Nelle “Fran” Frances Wagner (Leap), 88, of Independence, MO left this world on October 7th, 2024, in her own home, in her favorite chair. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday October 9th at Speaks Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday October 10th at the chapel, with a graveside service to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. 

Fran was born on January 10th, 1936 in Independence MO. She was the only child of William and Nelle (Miles) Leap. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1953 and married Frank Wagner on April 4th, 1958. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and raised 2 children together. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Independence.

A country music enthusiast, she and her friend Barbara Griffitt founded Stagewest Entertainment to book musicians for local fairs. For decades, she booked acts for Santa-Cali-Gon’s main stage and she brushed elbows with many famous musicians throughout her career. 

She loved being a grandmother, and was a frequent attendee at the dance recitals and baseball, basketball, and soccer games of her grandchildren. 

She was a loyal friend, who had many friendships spanning from childhood to old age. She was vibrant and social up to the end of her life, and will be missed by many. 

She will also be missed by the many neighborhood birds, especially the cardinals and sparrows, that she enjoyed feeding. 

Survivors include her children, Scott Wagner (Natalee) and Lori Ross (Francis); grandchildren, Megan Merchant, Katie Ross, Nicholas Ross (Janae), Billy Ross (BreeAnna); step-grandchildren, Haylee VanCuran(Jeff), and Allee Votipka; and great-granddaughters Kairi Frances Merchant, and soon-to-be-born Drew Kristina Ross. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband.