Linda Ann Wagers

On Sunday, July 16, Linda Metzger Wagers died peacefully in her sleep in her home in Maryville, Tennessee. She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Felder Dugan (husband Dain) of Knoxville, her sister, Mary Ellen Metzger of Flagstaff, AZ and her nephew James H. Metzger III, of Casa Grande, Az.  Additionally, several step children and great nieces and nephews mourn her loss.

It could be easily said of Linda that she had a life well lived.  Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1947, Linda spent her early childhood in Patagonia AZ, and first gained her love of horses, a passion that would continue with her throughout her life.

Linda grew into the young woman in Casa Grande, AZ, and found her talents in art. She would often comment on the special memories she had of friends and events from those years. After high school, Linda joined the U.S. Navy as a Wave.  While in the service she met her first husband, Gary Felder, who would create with her the treasure of her life, her daughter, Carrie. The family soon moved from their early beginnings in Rhode Island to make their home in California where Linda rapidly became a California girl.

In San Diego she changed her marital status and as a single mother took on the challenges of work life and personal growth. In the Armed Forces Reserves, she met her true life- partner, Gary Wagers; they married beginning their life in Sacramento, CA, where Gary was a highway patrolman.

Gary and she would travel together and made plans for their golden retirement years only to have the plans dashed when Gary was killed on duty. She began to enhance her bonds with her daughter and literally followed Carrie to Tennessee.

An active and outgoing person, Linda made Tennessee her focus and her identity.  When she moved to Friendsville, she joined the “Newcomers” organization and rose to be president of that group.

Though she faced many trials in her life and many disappointments, she was always able to garner inner strength to build relationships and friendships. She made a life about which one Resiliency in the face of loss was a hallmark feature of Linda Metzger Wager’s character.  could remark that she touched others and built positive memories wherever she traveled.

Family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 PM Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Smith Trinity Chapel. The Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com