Oct. 6, 1932 - Sept. 3, 2010

ELKHART -- Wardine Ware, or "Miss Dina" as she was affectionately known, 77, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at 4:43 a.m. at her home.

She was born Oct. 6, 1932, in Bonny, Mo., to Thomas and Leora (Cain) Billops. She married Hubert Lee Gary, and to that union were born daughters Jean (Jerome) Gill and Virginia "Ginni" Gary. Wardine then married Martin Love Ware. Surviving are sons, the Rev. Larry (Suzette) Ware of Coffeeville, Miss., and Michael (Lisa) Ivory of Indianapolis, and daughter Wanda Bryson of Elkhart. Wardine was the guardian for a niece, Roberta Saddler of Hyattsville, Md. She leaves 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; one great-godchild; her brothers, Robert Wiley Jr. and Lionel (Janet) Wiley of Madison, Ill., Cornelius Wiley of San Diego, Calif., and Amos (Wilma) Billops of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and sisters Juanita (Clyde) Riley Sr. and Ozella Gibson of Elkhart, Charlene Wiley of Lovejoy, Ill., Willie Mae Wiley of East St. Louis, Mo., and Margaret (Leroy) West of Indianapolis. A host of nieces and nephews survive as well.

Wardine was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; sisters Mrytle Mathies and Gloria King; and a nephew for whom she was guardian, Johnnie Mathies.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the celebration of life service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at Agape Missionary Baptist Church, 248 W. Wolf Ave., Elkhart. The Rev. Sam Frison of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church will officiate, with graveside services and burial to follow in Rice Cemetery .

Miss Dina loved children and had been a daycare provider for many years. She was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed going to garage sales, cooking and spending time with her sisters, family and friends. Miss Dina will be missed for her giving spirit and wonderful sense of humor.

Arrangements for Wardine are under the direction of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart. Preferred memorials may be given to CAPS, P.O. Box 773, Elkhart, IN 46515.