Monta R. Wagar

July 30, 1932 - January 09, 2020
Bellingham, WA

Monta R. Wagar

July 30, 1932 - January 09, 2020
Bellingham, WA

Obituary

Monta passed away on the evening of January 9, 2020. She was born Monta Rosamond Mitchell on July 30, 1932, in Gary, Indiana. Her parents were Susan Beulah (Andrews) Mitchell and Dickey Leroy Mitchell, Jr.

She met the love of her life, Richard Wagar, square dancing and volunteering at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. They were married Feb 4, 1967, blending their families from previous marriages. Family meant everything to her. She greatly enjoyed her multitude of photo albums and family pictures on the walls of her home, from ancestors to great-grandkids.

The Bellingham Theatre Guild was very important in Monta’s life, where she and Richard worked mostly behind the scenes. She greatly enjoyed the creativity, talent and friendship of such artistic and dedicated people. She wrote the Guild’s programs and newsletters for 20 years and was their membership chairperson. From 1976 to 2012 she relished being the Guild Historian, building up extensive archives, and writing three books about the history of that famous, long-lasting, all-volunteer thespian group. The Guild honored Monta with a Life Membership Award. She and Richard also volunteered at St Joseph’s Hospital from 2000 to 2019.

Monta was a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California and Arizona during her first marriage, before starting her family. She moved to Bellingham in 1962 and was employed in the Whatcom County Treasurer’s Office for 25 years. The Wagars lived on a small farm south of Lynden from 1970 to 1999 where she took great joy in working in her big garden and having many animals as pets.

Monta greatly revered the natural world and was very supportive of all animals, both wild and domestic. She was a member of the Baha’i Faith since 1957. The true brotherhood of mankind (“We’re all cousins”), the oneness of all religions (“We all worship the same Creator”) and living for service to others, were the credos of her life.

Monta was preceded in death by her three brothers, Edward Lee Mitchell, D. Lee Mitchell III, and Paul A. Mitchell. Her children are “Hari” Harry C. Heath, and “Thumbs” R. Mitchell Heath. She considered Richard’s children her own, and they are Debbie (Jim) Kallio, Verna (Wayne) Andal, Tori (Shawn) Ritchey and Phillip Tovrea. Richard and Monta also have 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many precious nieces and nephews. Monta will be missed dearly by so many.

A memorial service will be held on: Saturday February 22, 2020 at 1:00pm at Greenacres Memorial Park – 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale, WA.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: February 22, 2020 (1:00 PM)
  • Venue: Greenacres Memorial Park
  • Location: 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)

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5 responses to Monta R. Wagar

  1. What a lovely, lovely lady Monta was. The world is a much better place, having had her in it. Sending hugs to her sweet family and prayers for the journey of her soul.

  2. To Dear Richard and the family..

    Thank you all for sharing your sweet Monta. I will miss seeing her in the BTG audience, and at the front desk of St. Joe’s.

    May her memory be a blessing to all of us…

    Holding you all in my heart in the days to come.

    Marla Bronstein

  3. Susan Crooks says:

    Richard and family,

    I was sorry to read about Monta’s death this morning in the paper. She will be dearly missed. She worked with my mother Betty Ford, for many years in the Whatcom County Treasure’s office. Also loved seeing her as a greeter at the hospital.

    Sending you all my most heartfelt sympathy.

    Susan Ford Crooks

  4. Dear Richard and family, I was so sorry to read of Monta’s passing. Memories of working with you both on the Guide Meridian Water Association came to mind. How many years ago was that? I know that this is such a sad time for you all, Monta left a big hole. Please know that she will always be remembered. Dorie Belisle

  5. Dear Richard…so very sorry to hear of your loss. Have tried to establish contact with you, unsuccessfully. Would love to hear from you.

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