Stephanie C. Wagers

Stephanie Carolyn Wagers, a cherished wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and dedicated nurse, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 48 in Kyle, Texas. Born on January 5, 1977, in Viborg, South Dakota, Stephanie's zest for life and her passion for caring for others left an indelible mark on the world.

Stephanie's academic journey was marked by excellence. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with both her Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin, where she later pursued her doctoral studies. She was a beacon of knowledge and compassion, serving as a Teaching Assistant in biology and pharmacology in 2006 and an Assistant Professor at Austin Community College from 2007 to 2008.

With a nursing career spanning over two decades, Stephanie commenced her profession as an RN in 2001 and went on to specialize as an RN Case Manager for Hospice care. Her dedication to serving others was evident through her roles at Disability Services of the Southwest and Amerigroup, where she worked as a Field Nurse. At United Healthcare Community & State, she advanced through multiple leadership roles-including Clinical Care Manager, Clinical Process Consultant, and Health Services Manager–culminating in her promotion to Vice President of Health Services in the WellMed umbrella. After leaving United Healthcare, she continued her passion to improve care delivery in the managed care and medical audit consulting space where she poured her passion into making a meaningful difference for the members they served. She also worked in the emergency room for years, where she kept her clinical skills sharp and cared for patients with compassion, often using her Spanish to support families in need.

Stephanie's accolades are a testament to her clinical prowess and compassionate spirit. She was honored with the 2018 SAGE Award for Clinical Excellence and the 2014 Norine Yukon Compassion Award from United Healthcare. In 2012, Amerigroup recognized her with the STAR Award for Compassionate Service. Twice she received the Excellence in Action Award from Brackenridge Children's Hospital in 2005, and that same year, the Texas Exes celebrated her teaching excellence.

Her scholarly contributions included a published piece in 2006 titled "The Experience of Pregnancy and Motherhood in Homeless Adolescent Females," which reflected her dedication to maternal health and her deep empathy for those in challenging circumstances.

Stephanie's life outside her profession was full of joy and vibrancy. She loved dressing up, attending various forms of the performing arts, relishing every performance with the same passion she brought to her work. Her dogs – Denim, Dash, Beans, North, Winslow, Olivia, Roosevelt, Oliver, Fergus, Jack, Rojo, Verde, and Zoe – were a source of boundless joy. She treasured moments spent traveling, shopping, decorating, and living every moment to the fullest. Stephanie's love for her children, Gavin and Marshall, was paramount, and her enthusiasm for life was contagious. Going out, having fun, and being with loved ones was where Stephanie shone the brightest.

She was a loving daughter to Carolyn Osborn and a devoted sister to Joseph Mobley and Rebecca Dahse. Stephanie's memory is also honored by her two sons, Gavin and Marshall Wagers. Her husband, Bryan Wagers, predeceased her, but their love story remains an inspiration to all who knew them.

Stephanie Wagers will be remembered as the epitome of love, thoughtfulness, and passion. A beautiful quote by Maya Angelou that perfectly encapsulates her life's philosophy: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Stephanie made everyone she touched feel loved, valued, and cared for, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.