Agnes Brilz-Wagner

Agnes was born on Oct. 29, 1927, to Matt and Monica Barth. She grew up south of Mandan, North Dakota, the oldest of seven children. She graduated from eighth grade in 1941 and, after attending high school for one year, she moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where she worked at area hospitals and also at Wards in the household department. Agnes married George Brilz on Sept. 30, 1947, and to this union, seven sons were born. They lived in Mandan for 10 years, moving to Glendive in 1957. She was a homemaker and was very proud of her sons. In 1970, Agnes learned to drive a car and worked at Buttrey's Food and Drug as a checker. Agnes married Ray Wagner in 1971 and they moved to Dickinson, North Dakota. They later divorced. While in Dickinson, she worked at St. Joseph's Hospital until she retired. In 2015, Agnes moved to a retirement home in Billings, where she resided until her death.

She was an avid baker and made the best caramel rolls that her family still talks about today. She loved gardening, especially her roses, canned more pickles than you could eat in a lifetime, and spent numerous hours at garage sales. She loved to visit her sons, daughters-in-law and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Catholic Daughters in Glendive as well as in Dickinson. Her Catholic faith was important to her.

Agnes is survived by six of her sons, Allan (Pet) of Billings, Bob (Midge) of Glendive, Rod (Candice) of Missoula, Jim (Tina) of Helena, Bill (Brenda) of Lolo and Rick (Cheryl), also of Lolo; her grandchildren, Becki Brilz, Lori Agnew, Lea Striegel, Wade Brilz, Regan Brilz, Chris Brilz, Erik Brilz, Jim Brilz, Cole Brilz, Nolan Brilz, John Brilz, Jessica Clouse, Michael Brilz and Michelle Brilz; 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; her sisters Darlene (Bob) Brandner of Linton, North Dakota, and Betty (Wayne) Ferderer of Bismarck; brother Robert (Gail) Barth of Bismarck; sisters-in-law Dorothy Barth, of Billings and Melba Nemec of Bismarck; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime friend Phil Dukart of Dickinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Gary Brilz; her brothers, Harold Barth and Richard Barth; sister Lillian Sandwick; and granddaughter Michayla Brilz.

Memorials, in memory of Agnes, can be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, PO Box 80807, Billings MT 59108.