Mary Jane Wernke

February 1, 1924 - February 1, 2011

Mary Jane Wernke, age 87 of Batesville, died Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Margaret Mary Hospital. Born October 4, 1923 in Ripley Co. Indiana, she is the daughter of Carrie Schumacker Wintz. She married Alfred Wernke Sr. on September 12, 1945 at St. Louis Church and he preceded her in death December 4, 1994. Mary Jane was a police dispatcher for Batesville Police Department 37 years before retiring. She was a member of St. Louis Church, St. Louis Ladies Auxiliary and the Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary Drill Team.Mary Jane dearly loved her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren loved their grandma as well and visited often. She enjoyed her job as dispatcher and the officers became part of her extended family. Many continued to visit her after her retirement.To say Mary Jane liked Bingo would be an understatement. After retiring she went regularly and usually in tandem with her bingo buddies. Thursday night at St. Louis was a favorite spot, especially since the bingo committee made such a fuss over her. She also played “500” in various card clubs throughout the years. Her family explained that mom was an excellent cleaner. Neat and tidy would be appropriate descriptions and she’d let them know if their efforts weren’t up to standards. She preferred watching animal shows on T.V. and watched a lot of National Geographic as well. Mary Jane also liked watching sports and was an avid Cincinnati Reds and I.U. basketball fan.She is survived by daughters and son-in-laws Theresa and Joseph Wallpe of Evansville, Indiana, Deborah and Ken Wanstrath of Batesville, Mary Wernke of Batesville; sons and daughter-in-law Alfred Wernke Jr. of Batesville, Robert and Ann Wernke of Batesville; 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents and daughter-in law Mary Jane Hoelker Wernke. Visitation is Saturday, February 5th, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stephen Akange officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to St. Louis School Tuition Angels.