Wanda Dale Werncke

Wanda Dale Werncke, 99, of Greenville, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Lincoln Hills Nursing Home in New Albany, Indiana. She was encircled and supported by her loving family just hours before her death.

She was born April 26, 1926, in Ceralvo, Kentucky, to John and Ina Mae Barnard (Brown). As a young woman, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she met and married Chester Arthur Werncke on June 7, 1951. He precedes her in death.

A farm girl through and through, Wanda enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, and volunteering in her community through her church and the Greenville Love Center. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and sister who nurtured her family through food, fellowship, and laughter. She adored having her two sons and their families live close by on the family farm.

In her later years, Wanda was surrounded by doting grandchildren who cherished playing Scrabble and watching Jeopardy! with her on weeknights, often inviting their high school and college friends to join in the fun. Wanda was known for welcoming everyone and making extra food for the many guests that came in and out of her home. Her kindness, generosity, and hospitality live on in the memories of all who knew and loved her, and her family is thankful to have enjoyed her warm and giving presence for almost 100 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Barnard (Brown), and five brothers, Paul Barnard, James Barnard, Carroll Barnard, Kenneth Barnard and Everett Barnard.

Wanda is survived by her brother, John Barnard, of Brunswick, GA, and her two sons, Mark (Susan) Werncke and Greg (Angela) Werncke, both of Greenville; five grandchildren, Maggie, Chet, Daniel, Cody, and Amie; and six great-grandchildren, Isla, Ian, Amera, Josephine, Henry, and Kenneth.

Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 7:30pm, on Thursday, January 22, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany In, 47150. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 23, at 10:00am, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery next to her beloved husband, Chet. Pastor Jon Sweetland will officiate.

Expressions of sympathy may go to Hosparus Health Southern Indiana.