Mary Wanda Ann Qualkenbush

Mary Wanda Ann Sturgeon Qualkenbush, 83, of French Lick, Indiana went to be with the Lord on January 18, 2020 at The Timbers in Jasper, Indiana.

She was born June 16, 1936 in Doolittle Mills, Indiana to Dale and Dora (Hall) Sturgeon.  Mary was a childcare giver most of her adult life.  She later married the man of her dreams, Roy (Ross) Qualkenbush on May 14, 1955 and soon after she had her own children, Kern and Reva, to love and care for. Shortly after, she began to offer childcare to many of the neighborhood children.  Mary was a loving mother and she loved her “babies” that were in her care.       

Those surviving who will cherish her memory are her children, Kern Qualkenbush and wife, Velda of French Lick.  Reva Qualkenbush-Baker and her husband, David, also of French Lick; grandchildren Desiree of Indianapolis, Brandon of Nashville, TN, Tyler Baker of Nashville, TN and his wife, Ambra; great-grandchildren, Indie Grace Baker, Linkoln, Asher and Ethan Harrison. She is also survived by her sisters, Helen Brown, Opal Hammond, Donna Smith and brother, Lee Sturgeon.  Preceding her in death were her parents, her loving husband, Roy (Ross) Qualkenbush, her brothers, Jerry and Ausbell Sturgeon, and grandson, Shane Baker.

Mary was a member of Higher Ground Pentecostal Church, French Lick, IN where she formerly helped in Children’s Ministry as well as in the church’s music department.  During her younger years as a teenager, she would sing gospel songs with a group on a radio program at WSLM, Salem, Indiana.

Friends may call at Brosmer Kemple Funeral Home in French Lick, IN on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 2 to 3:00 pm. Funeral services for Mary Wanda Ann Qualkenbush will be held at 3:00 pm at Brosmer Kemple Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Harrison officiating.  Burial will follow in the Emmons Ridge Cemetery in Hillham. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Emmons’ Ridge Cemetery in care of Kathy Kalb.  Also make donations to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, Kaden Tower, 6100 Dutchmans LN, STE 401, Louisville, KY 40205-3284.