Wanda Lee Kinsey

Wanda Lee Kinsey (nee Tanksley), age 79, of Mill Creek, IN, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Wanda was born on April 4, 1947 in Molden, Alabama to the late Price and Lucy (nee Chaney) Tanksley. In 1959, she and her family moved to Mill Creek, IN where Wanda resided for the rest of her life. Wanda attended Mill Creek Schools. During that time, she met Robert Kinsey in 1962 and married him on October 12, 1963. Wanda worked for 25 years with Kingsley Furniture until their closing and retired from Howmet Aerospace as an assembler after 20 years.

Wanda was a fantastic “Cooker and Mom” as she would put it. From a young age, Wanda cooked meals for her dad and siblings. With a lifetime of cooking skills, she was known for making delicious meals including “too salty taters” and “sour green beans”. She enjoyed cooking traditional meals – no new recipes- and instilled family connection during every holiday, especially her favorite: Easter.

Wanda’s whole world was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would do anything for them and earned the nickname “Granny with the most sunshine”. When a baby was present at any get together, Wanda would hold the baby the entire time. She was even known to ride a mini four-wheeler and play on the slip and slide for her great-grandkids, even though she broke her tailbone doing the latter.

Wanda led her family with a strong yet loving hand, earning her the same love and devotion that she poured out to others. She was always there to help anyone whether it was lending money, time, or a listening ear. Wanda was everyone’s go-to person and the glue that held her family together. Her devotion to her family, traditional values, and delicious meals will be remembered by all who knew her.

Wanda is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert; children: James and Rebecca; grandchildren: Michael (Brandy), Scott (Patty), Jacob (Shawna), Joseph (Harley), Jesenia (Eli), and Victoria; great-grandchildren: Hannah, Amelia, Liam, Max, Jameson, Ethan, Marcy, Kessley, Ryker, Wiet, Emory,; siblings: Junior (Barb) Tanksley and Sarah Leach; sister-in-law: Carol Tanksley; and her beloved dog: Duke.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents: Price and Lucy; son: Roy; great-grandson: Damien; and siblings: Irving, Willard, Dafford, Alfred, Alton, Waylon, and Virginia.

Family and friends may gather at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Service (602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. A funeral service will take place at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Tim Ahlemeyer officiating. Cremation will follow.