Wanda Mae Barnes

Wanda Mae Barnes was born August 16,1946 in Wooster to Charles and Virginia(Varnes) Neiger.  Wanda always had a smile, was full of laughter and never without a cup of coffee in hand. She enjoyed music, singing and playing the piano. She loved listening to the Beatles and Neil Diamond and the Bee Gees music. She also loved house plants, especially violets. Growing outdoor flowers,  she was especially proud of her tiger lilies that bloomed brightly. She enjoyed the outdoors, the birds and animals as well. 

Wanda liked to sew and crochet, working puzzles and in later years, computer puzzles and games. Photography was a hobby, and she took a LOT of photos. She loved to color and worked magic with colored pencils. These pictures decorated her room or went home with family.

Wanda lovingly raised her kids, grandkids and great grandkids and was always a nurturing presence.

Wanda gave back to her community as a member of the Apple Creek Volunteer Fire Dept and EMS as the depts dedicated emergency call receiver/dispatcher from 1976 until 1987 when the 911 system and central dispatch was being established in the county. 

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents,  sister, Sandy Wallace,  brother, Stanley Neiger, great grandson, Kaden Smail, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her longtime partner, Thomas Richards.

Wanda is survived by her son, Gene Barnes and daughter-in-law, Debbie; her daughter, Virginia Smail; grandchildren, Beth (Nate) Lengacher Brittany Smail, and Bryan Smail; step-grandchildren, Amy (Joe) Popeko, Shannon (Melissa Hill) Deitrich; great-grandchildren, Corbin, Jocelyn, Taylor, Katie, Leo, Chloe, Ian, Sara Cody, Kasey, Ethan, Syrus, one great-great grandchild, Angel; her brother, Ray (Cindy) Bixler; sisters, Nancy (Pete) Bragg, Donna Bixler; sister-in-law Liz Neiger; sister-in-law, Barb Barnes; special aunt, Esther Gowins; close cousin,  Linda (Bob) Tenny; cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life will take place at a later date.  We would like to thank the many hands at Wooster Community Hospital, Apple Creek Vol. Fire/EMS, Shady Lawn Nursing Facility ,and Traditions Palliative and Hospice for all their care of Wanda. Condolences and special memories of Wanda can be shared with her family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com 

Heritage Cremation & Burial Society 
(330) 875-5770