Karen Jo Wagner

Karen Jo Wagner, “Mama K,” passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 70, at her beautiful mountain home in Magdalena, New Mexico surrounded by her closest family and friends. Karen was born and raised in Vega, Texas.

She lived a life full of creativity, compassion, and a deep love of music and the arts that she shared generously with her community. From an early age, Karen displayed a remarkable musical talent. She began singing lessons at the age of 12 and went on to lend her beautiful voice to hundreds of weddings and funerals throughout Vega and beyond. Her voice brought comfort during times of sorrow and joy during moments of celebration—an enduring gift to those fortunate enough to hear her sing.

Karen met the love of her life, Larry Wagner, in June 1971 and they were wed two weeks after her high school graduation on June 2, 1973 in Vega, TX beginning a beautiful thirty year marriage. Together, they built a life rooted in family, partnership and hard work. Karen worked alongside her husband first on the farmland they leased in Hereford and then in 1989 on their own land. Every day they worked side-by-side to run the farm while keeping up with a busy household of three young daughters. They seldom had the opportunity to travel because of the demands of the farm, but when they would get the chance to have a vacation, it was always to the mountains. They loved New Mexico and Colorado and their favorite vacation place was Red River, New Mexico. Karen and Larry were proud to see each daughter graduate from Vega High School and go on to start further education and careers. On April 29, 2002, Larry died unexpectedly on that farm at the young age of 52 and left Karen a widow at only 47.

In 2008, Karen moved to Magdalena, New Mexico, where she found joy in a home overlooking the Magdalena Mountains. She made a home for herself in the Magdalena community, creating deep friendships and contributing in so many ways to village life. She embraced her musical and artistic talents—ceramics, painting, wood and rock carving—and shared them with the community. For several years, she taught gourd art to fourth-grade students at Magdalena Schools. The colorful birdhouses created under her guidance continue to brighten homes across Magdalena and the Alamo Navajo Reservation. For early childhood nights, she might be dressed in costume to entertain the kids or be leading the annual gingerbread house night. She also shared her musical abilities with high school students and was a judge for the annual talent show at Magdalena Schools. After she moved to Magdalena, she really began to enjoy traveling. She took several cruises with close friends and traveled with her daughter and grandsons, visiting destinations including Hawaii, California, Illinois, Connecticut, and Alaska.

Known affectionately as “Mama K,” she had an amazing smile and laugh and a true zest for life that radiated through every interaction. Whether through her art, music, or simple acts of kindness, she touched countless lives. The most common sentiments expressed since her passing is how much she was loved and will be missed because she was a "ray of light", the "kindest person", a "bright light in the souls she touched", a "beautiful person inside and out", “the sweetest lady", a "special person", and most of all how much her smile and that laugh will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry Wagner; her mother Sharon Hobbs; and her father John Hobbs.

Karen is survived by her daughters Keri James, Cheryl Tullos, and Donna Kisch; her grandchildren Tristen James, Trevor James, Caleb Tullos, Keevan Tullos, Karen Kisch, and Kellan Kisch; her partner, Jo Richard Torres; her sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and all those touched by her vibrant spirit.

Her funeral service will be held on February 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Vega, Texas.