Leila M. Wagner, 86 of New Boston, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at her home, with her family at her side. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, October 16, at the First Christian Church, Keithsburg, Illinois. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to services. Burial is in Greenmound Cemetery, Keithsburg. Memorials may be made to the Keithsburg or New Boston Fire Departments. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family.
Leila Marie was born on March 20, 1939, in Aledo, Illinois, to Lyle and Marie (Smith) Anderson. She was a graduate of Joy High School. Leila and Clyde “Dig” Wagner were married on June 20, 1958, in Joy, Illinois.
Leila enjoyed her life on the farm with Dig, working side by side with him. She also enjoyed gardening and canning all the fruits of her labor. Her children and grandchildren loved her cooking and always asked for her macaroni and cheese, homemade noodles, and chocolate meringue pie. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing pitch, and watching the Golden State Warriors basketball team and Caitlin Clark. Leila and Dig had a great love for dancing and danced up until 4 years ago. She especially enjoyed Elvis’ music and country music. Leila cherished the time she was able to care for her grandchildren.
Leila is survived by her husband, Dig; children and spouses, Deb and Tim Sloan, Mary and Kenny Tharp, and Brad and Mindy Wagner; grandchildren, Jennifer (Nathan) Turnis, Erica (Kale) Knisley, and Chloe, Claire, and Cassie Wagner; and great-grandchildren, Brayden Turnis and Cooper and Hank Knisley. Leila was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter, Marissa Tharp; twin sister, Lila Willits; and brother, Bill Anderson.