Wanda Jennings Bare, age 70, of the Bristol Community of Ashe County peacefully passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026.  Wanda was born on July 2, 1955, in Galax, Virginia to John Draper and Odessa Kirby Jennings.  Wanda greatest joy was being with her family.  There are no words to describe the joy that came to her by being with her family.  Among her most treasured moments was when her daughter provided a way for Wanda, her sister, and her niece to gather for a benge of Golden Girls and Little House on the Prairie marathons.  She also enjoyed being with her grandchildren who could persuaded her into any adventure including bear hunting, turkey hunting, countless trips to McDonalds and anything that involved being with her grandchildren.  She was always willing to provide late night transportation for a grandson who was old enough to be a member of the local fire department, but too young to hold a driver's license. Fishing with her grandsons was a much-loved pastime.  Wanda was a well-seasoned yard sale connoisseur.  If there were a bargain to be found, she was going to have it.  She loved to spend time on her front porch and watch the events which unfolded in her beloved Bristol Community of Ashe County.  She was always well informed and delighted to report the happenings around the Bristol area of Ashe County.  Wanda found great joy in a spontaneous roadside picnic complete with a bologna sandwich.  She thoroughly enjoyed these picnics as a child with her mother and sister and never outgrew the thrill of the escapade!  She developed a strong bond with her sister as a young child, and this was nurtured throughout her life and they have remained inseparable.  In recent years, she enjoyed visiting her community with her caregiver, Trish driving her around on the golf cart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her long-time love, Carl Combs, and her daughter, Diane Roten.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey and Kevin Black of Warrensville, NC; four sons, Bobby D. Bare of Taylorsville, NC, Jackie D. Bare and Cindy of Wilkesboro, NC, Daniel and Missy Combs of Warrensville, NC, and Dennis Combs of Wilkesboro, NC; two sisters, Becky Boyer of Independence, VA and Fran Funk of Galax, VA; 10 grandchildren, Brittany Bare, Logan Bare, Austin and Abby Bare, Mason Combs, Justin Cox, Hunter Combs, Dylan and Madison Black, Caden Black, Cody Roten, and Kinsey Riegler; nieces, Lisa Bright and Angie White; special caregiver, Trish Day; and special friend, "Little Jo" Hoosier.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Blevins officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Independence, VA.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral home in Independence, VA is serving the Bare family.