Wanda (Lay) Neal

Wanda Sue (Lay) Neal age 77 of Connersville, Indiana formerly of Pine Knot, Kentucky passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025 at the Alois Nursing Home in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Wanda was born on January 15, 1948 in Pine Knot, Kentucky to the late George Lay and Kathleen (Stephens) Lay. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a step-father, LeRoy Campbell; brothers, Ronald Lay, Bennie Stephens and Kelly Campbell; a son-in-law, Mark Hines; brothers-in-law, Bobby Genoe and Randy Bryant; and a sister-in-law, Kay Stephens. 

Surviving family include her husband of 56 years, Earl Neal; her children, Scott Neal of Connersville, Crystal Maringer (and Todd) Patricia Hines (and Mark) of Cincinnati; and a special son, Danny Allen Lay of Whitley City, Kentucky; a brother, Danny Lay also of Whitley City; sisters, Joyce Genoe of Pine Knot, Reva King-Bryant of Whitley City, and Tammy Perry (and Johnny) of Pine Knot; a sister-in-law, Linda Lay and a host of nieces and nephews.

Wanda also had 6 grandchildren, Robert King (and Maggie), Scott Neal, Kaitlyn Hassler (and Ryan), Haley McGraw (and Tyler), Brandi Hines (and Jake), and Chase Maringer (and Avery); and 6 great-granddaughters, Isabella, Dakota, Rylynn, Georgia, Oaklynn, and Delaney whom she loved so dearly. 

Wanda had a heart as big as the world, and then some. She devoted herself to God and with her caring heart and everyday actions this led her to enter Heaven’s gates with Jesus. Wanda was a member of a singing group, Faith Gospel Trio, that wrote and performed many songs in Baptist Churches from Cincinnati, Ohio and surrounding areas. Her voice was beautiful. Wanda also had an artistic hand and enjoyed making flowers, crafts, and writing poems. 

Wanda was a caregiver. She loved her family with her whole heart and would give her own shirt off her back to the people she loved and even a stranger. Her dedication to caregiving led her to take care of a special nephew, that she loved as her own son, for many years. Had her health let her and the Lord not seen she labored long enough, she would still be taking care of him today. Her memory and sweet soul will forever shine on through those lives she touched. 

Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Bro. Dean Barnes and Bro. Boyd Rowe officiating. Burial to follow in the Osborne Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday after 12:00 noon until service time. 

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.