Iva Mae Wagers was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community.  Mae died July 14, 2023, at age 87.  Mae was born November 19, 1935, in Birch Lick/ Jackson County, Kentucky to Rev. Troy and Lula Lucas Gabbard.

Mae lived in Richmond most of her life. She attended Freedom Missionary Baptist church.

She worked at York Casket and retired in 1998. She worked at Pet Haven Pet Cemetery for 19 years and created a Loving and personal experience for each pet funeral. She volunteered at WECI 91.5 radio station as a DJ on the Morning Ramble Show for 20 years. She loved all her listeners and friends and enjoyed sharing the word of God through music. She never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with people where ever she was.

Her hobbies were crocheting pot holders and giving them away everywhere she went.

She loved having a big Garden and preserving the vegetables she grew. Making candy at Christmas and cooking delicious meals her family enjoyed sharing. She was honored with a commission of Kentucky Colonel which is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky for services and accomplishments for service to our community, State, and Nation. She loved sharing the word of God and singing songs of praise.  Her musical talents included singing with the First Southern Gospel Aires, Bluegrass Gospel Heritage.

Survivors include her husband of  65 years T.R. Wagers, Daughter Leann ( Rick ) Pardo, two grandson's William Cody Pardo and Benjamin Colton Pardo whom she loved dearly; special family and friends and her family in Kentucky, James and Marilyn Vickers,  the Little family in Tennessee, the Fox family and Harold and Gail Cox. My best friend  Margie Jackson and her family. My friend Marsha Remington and Brian. Our wonderful neighbors Martha, Rodney, Jessica, and Weslee Kemplen. always willing to help us whenever we needed it. And a special thanks to Roger Richert and Matt Stegall for providing facilities for her Bluegrass festivals.

She was preceded in death by her Parents and siblings Brothers Clifford, Delbert, Robert ( Bob ), and Leonard Gabbard.  Sisters Beatrice Parrett, Maggie Spivey. Nephew Danny Parrett and Hargus Gabbard. And her special and very Loved dog Sammy.

Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2023, with viewing an hour prior. at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home with Rev. Ernie Murray, Rev. Bill Fields, and Rev. Jerry Smith officiating; burial will be in Greens Fork South Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stegallberheideorr.com