Wanda Lou Neal

Wanda Neal, 72, of Bardstown, passed away Sunday June 7, 2026. She was born March 11, 1954 in Nelson County. She loved to garden, and especially grow flowers and vegetables. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking and canning. She was in love with horses and her purple martins. She dedicated her life to her kids and grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Lee and Mary Ethel Downs; four brothers, LeRoy Downs, Harry Truman Downs, Joseph Harold Downs, and Joseph Ronnie Downs; and one sister, Mary Rose Kidwell. 

She is survived by her husband, Robert Neal, of Bardstown; daughter, Tammy (Mickey) Ayers, of Chaplin; son, Danny (Kristi) Gilkey, of Bardstown; five grandchildren, Shiley (Stanton) McCauley, Joseph (Miranda) Gilkey, Dannielle (Cole Mattingly) Gilkey, Ayden (Ali Thornsbery) Gilkey, and Evan Raikes; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt McCauley, and Katy Grace Mattingly; three siblings, C.A. (Dorothy) Downs, William "Billy" Downs, and Virginia Ann Downs; and several nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Her funeral service will be 6 pm Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home with cremation to follow, Bro. Gary Chesser will officiate. Visitation will be 3 pm until time of service. A private burial will be held at a later date at St. Thomas Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may go to Mill Creek Baptist Church. 

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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