June 28, 1944 – November 19, 2024

Anne Marie Wagner passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 80.

She was born June 28, 1944, in Portland, Oregon to the late Thomas Ballen, Sr. and Osa Lautner Ballen. Growing up, Anne began her love of dance by taking ballet classes. She attended Cleveland High School where she was voted best dancer. In 1966, she graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in Education and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. During her senior year, she met her husband Arlyn Newell Wagner and got married July 14, 1967.

Anne taught first grade at the Highland School in Portland, Oregon from 1967-1971. She moved to Mercer Island, Washington with her husband and two children in 1978 where she was an active parent and volunteer at nearby Lakeridge Elementary. She also revived her love of ballet and took classes from Camille Chrysler at the Mercer art dance studio. She performed in many dance performances from 1979 to 2013.

Anne worked part time and then seasonally at Kusak Crystal. She also worked for Dr George Dever as an office and research assistant.

She loved political mystery novels, crossword puzzles, and taking road trips with her husband to various spots in the Pacific Northwest. She took excellent care of her family and was a loving mother and wife. She was kind and a terrific listener to all her knew her.

Anne is survived by her daughters Miranda and Melinda Wagner, as well as her niece Brynn Valinoti (Jack), nephew Brian Ballen (Suzanne), and their children. She was predeceased by her husband Newell of 49 years, her brother Thomas Ballen Jr., and her aunt Donna.

A celebration of life will take place on March 16, 2025, beginning at 2pm at the VFW clubhouse located at 1836 72nd Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.