Mary Jo (Lipsis) Wagner, age 76, of Clinton, Missouri, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by her family, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at her home.
Born on January 19, 1949, to Richard and Priscilla Lipsis, Mary Jo embraced life on her own unique terms. For many years, Mary Jo dedicated herself to serving her community as an LPN and Charge Nurse in and around the Henry County area. She was known for offering steady, dependable care to her patients, driven by her direct, honest nature.
Outside of her professional life, Mary Jo nurtured a rich tapestry of passions. She found joy in expressing herself through singing and playing multiple instruments and her artistic talents shone in her hobbies: painting, crocheting, and jewelry making, and amazing gift giving. She was also a dedicated and loving caretaker of her beloved animals.
For 23 wonderful years, Mary Jo shared her life with her companion, Bud Boehler. Together, they created treasured memories, exploring the world through travels and cruises.
Mary Jo’s legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Cruce, and her husband, Ken, her son, Chris Wagner, and his wife, Jennifer. Her companion, Bud Boehler, and his daughters, Shelli Klingele and Stacey Hemphill, and her husband, Matthew, seven grandchildren: AJ, Candace, Josh, Taylor, Megan, Katelyn, and Anthony, and her four great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Priscilla Lipsis, and her brother Gary Lipsis and extended brothers and sisters Paul, Luther, Larry, Hazel, Romana, Pat, and Lyola.
Mary Jo Wagner will be remembered as a caring nurse, a gifted artist, and a woman who lived her authentic life to the fullest.
Prayer services were held December 6, 2025 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Father James Taranto officiating. Special music included "Ave Maria, Never Not Remember You and On Eagle's Wings." Inurnment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
