Ellen Jane “Janie” Wagaman Elwood, age 87, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Janie was born April 20, 1939, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of William Owen and Ethel Lenora (Johnson) Blay. She was raised in Red Oak where she attended school. Janie was united in marriage to Glen Wagaman on December 5, 1955, in Red Oak, Iowa. They lived in Omaha until Glen passed away and Janie moved the family back to Red Oak where she lived most of her life. Through the years, Janie worked at Hy-Vee in the bakery, Eveready, and D & L. Later in life, she was united in marriage to Dale Elwood in 1994 and they enjoyed twenty years together before Dale passed in 2014. She enjoyed reading and watching westerns on TV. Her pride and joy were her family, whom she enjoyed spending time with.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands: Glen Wagaman and Dale Elwood; grandson: Jerad Wagaman; nephew: Dan Houtchens; daughter-in-law: Sue Wagaman; son-in-law: Fred Hossle; her siblings: Ruby Houtchens (Cliff); Esther Russ (Leo); Marie “Tillie” Fox (Royal); Billy Blay (Marie); Robert Blay; Frank Blay (Donna); Raymond Blay; and Larry Blay; in-laws: Joanne Terry; Charles Wagaman (Suzanne); and Philip Wagaman.

Survivors include her children: Teresa Hossle of Red Oak, IA; Jim Wagaman and wife Patty of Red Oak, IA; and Jerry Wagaman and wife Cindy of Emerson, IA; step-children: Jeff Elwood (Nikki) of Omaha, NE and Brett Elwood of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Heather Laire (Corey); Heidi Hossle (Rob Ervin); Becca Ridnour (Harry); Kaleb Wagaman; Kalli Wagaman; Kolton Wagaman (Jennie); Danielle Wagaman; Lindsey O’Doherty (James); Jenna Sargent (Vinny); Cade Elwood; and Kelly Robles (AJ); great grandchildren: Clay, Ella, Renly, Emersyn, Max, Harper, Khloe, Konnor, Henry, Harrison, Lillie, Rylee, Mason, Liam, and Kaydence; great great-grandson: Miles; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Blay of Red Oak, IA; Delores Blay of Red Oak, IA; Judy Blay of Villisca, IA; and Connie Dorsey of Washington; many nieces and nephews including Cindy Smith and husband Scott of Red Oak, IA; Scott Terry and wife Cindy of Red Oak, IA; and Winn Samuelson and husband Russ of Red Oak, IA; along with many other relatives and friends.

Viewing and visitation with the family will be held from 5:30-7 PM Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel. A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.