BETHEL "BETH" j. (JOHNSON) WAGSTAFF

Funeral services for Bethel “Beth (Johnson) Wagstaff will be held at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Douglas, Wyoming, with Pastor Todd Weber officiating, at a later date in the spring of 2026.

Beth Wagstaff passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 80. Beth was born on Tuesday, Christmas Day, 1945, to Dr. E. George Johnson and Wilda (Stickney) Johnson. She was later joined by her loving siblings—and even better friends—Dean, Jannelle, and Brad.

Being raised in Douglas provided Beth with an all-American upbringing, filled with cherished memories and lifelong friendships. Beth often spoke fondly of her childhood, recalling the best of friends and the most fun neighborhood one could ask for. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1964 and attended Cottey College in Missouri for her freshman year. While she loved all that Cottey provided, she missed home and decided to return to Wyoming to attend the University of Wyoming. Beth was an active student and a member of Chi Omega.

It was during her time in Laramie that she met Mal Wagstaff, a transplant from Southern California who came to Wyoming to play football for the university. Beth and Mal were married in Douglas in 1968. After their marriage, they moved to Spanish Fork, Utah, where Beth taught school. When Mal was drafted for the Vietnam War, Beth moved to Mal’s hometown of Brawley, California, where his parents were living. After Mal returned from Vietnam in 1970, they settled in Preston, Idaho, where Beth continued teaching and Mal worked for Del Monte Foods.

Beth and Mal welcomed their son, Griffin, into the world in 1978. In 1980, the small family relocated back to Beth’s hometown of Douglas. Beth and a friend had a small craft store called The Cellar, and she and Mal also purchased the Gambles store from Bud and Fayetta Turner. In 1984, the family became complete when Beth and Mal welcomed their second son Breck. Beth returned to teaching with the Converse County School District and taught in Douglas for over 30 years. She had a true passion for teaching and found great fulfillment in educating and connecting with her students and coworkers. Beth retired in 2012 and enjoyed traveling with Mal and spending time with her family.

Beth had a beautiful heart and was a passionate volunteer for many organizations and causes, including Converse County Memorial Hospital, the Moose Lodge, Converse County Cancer Society, and youth groups. Beth could never just sit still and always wanted to be doing something; she was a classic “fart in a skillet.” She was actively involved in PEO of Douglas, Douglas Sorority, WOTEM, the Moose Scholarship Committee, and the University of Wyoming Alumni Association. She was also a lifelong member of the Congregational Church.

Beth loved spending time in Esterbrook and Glendo with her family and many dear friends. She loved travel, good food, and wine, and was truly the life of the party. She had a cheeky smile and an infectious laugh—when you saw it, you knew you were in for a fun time or a little bit of trouble. Beth’s zest for life allowed her to make friends with anyone and everyone. She cherished her regular coffee dates, morning walking group, coffee can mojitos at the fair, Wine Wednesdays, and Class of ’64 lunch reunions. Beth was at her happiest traveling with her family to Mexico. She and Mal wintered in Puerto Vallarta, where they found another community of old and new friends whom she cherished deeply. Beth loved life, a good joke, a cocktail, and a good meal, but above all she loved her family more than anything. Becoming a grandmother was a new experience for Beth, and while some wondered how she would adjust, she embraced the role wholeheartedly. She adored being “Mimi” to her granddaughters and found every opportunity to spoil them.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Mal; her parents, George and Wilda; and her brother, Dean.

She is survived by her sons, Griffin (Clint Hayashi) of London, England, and Breck (Taylor) Wagstaff of Douglas; her granddaughters, Ellie and Brynn; her sister, Jann (Mark) Johnson of Longmont, Colorado; her brother, Brad (Lori) Johnson of Douglas; numerous nieces whom she loved dearly; and the countless friends who became her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, care of Converse County Bank, P.O. Box 689, Douglas, Wyoming 82633. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the care team who worked with Beth and became like family to her.            

The Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com 

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