STAMFORD/ROXBURY – Bertha Jean Wagner, 80 passed away peacefully on March 28, 2023, at Foltsbrook Center, Herkimer. She was born on April 9, 1942, in West Burlington a daughter of the late Lewis and Fairy (Brownell) Backus. She was raised in the Cherry Valley area and attended New Berlin Central School. At one time she was married to the late Albert Russell. She married Laverne Gerald Wagner sharing a devoted union until his passing on July 31, 2017. For 24 years she worked for the Stamford Central School System as a Cafeteria Cook. While working in the cafeteria, she was affectionately known as "Big Bert" by the students. She enjoyed a close relationship with many of them, some of which continued after they graduated. She retired in 2005. Bert was most known for her love of crocheting. Family and friends have cherished gifts of blankets, crocheted dolls, tissue holders, and dish clothes. Bert was a caring friend who loved to socialize and do for others. She will be sadly missed. In 2021, she moved from Stamford to Herkimer, living with her daughter Chris Acker and her husband Tim. Surviving are her children, William Russell and Gene Russell both of Norwich, Allan Russell of Oxford, Deb (Joe) Hornbeck of Jefferson, Diana Brazee of Preston, and Christine (Timothy) Acker of Herkimer, Stepsons Robert Wagner of North Carolina and Timothy Wagner of Greene, Stepdaughters Connie Wagner of Nineveh and Tina Engle of Whitney Point, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a brother, Howard (Mary) Backus of Florida, sister Hilda Christian of New Berlin, a devoted ex-daughter-in-law, Deborah Marotta of Norwich and Great Niece Melissa Hose of New Berlin. Besides her parents and husband Laverne, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Backus, Jr., her twin sister, Bernice Salisbury, and Stepsons Gerry Wagner and Bruce Wagner. A graveside gathering will take place in Riverside Cemetery, South New Berlin at a later date to be announced. There are no Calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer.