Doris Wagner

Doris Wagner (Gray), 94, rejoins husband Dick on 75th wedding anniversary

TRAVERSE CITY — Doris Mable Wagner (Gray), 94, woke up bright and early in heaven on August 14, 2026.

Doris was born on August 12, 1932, to Floyd and Myrtle Gray on their Old Mission Peninsula family farm. The Grays were one of the founding families of Traverse City; Doris’ great-grandfather, A.P. Gray, was one of the very first homesteaders on Old Mission Peninsula. The family also wintered in Bradenton, Fla., where she graduated from Manatee High School in 1951.

At 13 years old, Doris met a new farmhand named Dick. When he came back to work there the following summer, a love story blossomed that would eventually lead to marriage. This was unfortunate news for her father, who expressed that he would be losing his best worker. She was the fastest cherry picker on the farm, after all.

As well as being founding members of Faith Reformed Church, Doris and Dick were also the first couple to be wed at the church on August 14, 1951. They remained active members until their deaths.

In 1952, the Wagners purchased an 80-acre farm and began a cherry-and-dairy farm; and in 1967 a proper greenhouse led by Doris took off. She became well-known all across the county for her hardy plants.

Doris and Dick had their first child, Cliff in 1952. Kris followed close behind in 1953, with Debbie in 1955. Ten years later, they were blessed with a surprise baby, John.

Over the years, Doris wore many hats. On the farm, she was the cherry orchard boss. At home, she was mom. To her grandchildren, she was Granny. She also was known as a waitress at the Park Place Coffee Shop, and the Pie Lady at Underwood Farm Market. But after 56 years of growing goods for others, most came to know her as The Plant Lady.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Clara (Wagner) Tessman; husband, Richard “Dick” Wagner; siblings, Charlotte Reece (Gray), Don Gray, Betty Miller (Gray), Virginia Lardie (Gray), brother-in-law, Russell “Bill” Wagner, daughter-in-law, Lottie (Udell) Wagner, and son-in-law Bob Hentschel.

Surviving are her children, Cliff (Pam Vandenberg), Kris (Victoria Alvorez), Deb Hentschel, and John (Teri); grandchildren, Jenni (Aaron) Haney, Tiffany (Kent) Flesher, Loren Lamoreaux, Rob Hentschel, and Jason (Hannah King) Wagner; 18 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Doris’ funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 18, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at Faith Reformed Church, 1139 E Front St., Traverse City. A dessert reception will follow. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3575 Veterans Dr., Traverse City.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Reformed Church, designated for community meals.

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