Barbara Jane (Ladensack) Werling

Barbara Jane (Ladensack) Werling entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 97. She was a blue-eyed beauty who lived as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and more always with her lipstick on and her purse at the ready. Born in Detroit as the youngest of four children of John and Anna Ladensack, Barbara was a devoted Catholic and family woman. After marrying the love of her life, Ralph, they began married life in St. Louis, before moving to Detroit, New York, and finally Baton Rouge. Barbara provided the strength that held her family of Ralph and six children firmly together. Her love of God began at a young age and remained strong until her final day. Barbara loved time spent admiring gardens and holding the babies of the family for endless hours. She was a humble, accomplished stenographer and pianist; wrote the kindest, most genuine thank you notes; always put others’ needs before her own; enjoyed a good meal, such as Sunday lunch at Frank’s; and critiqued the dancing and fashion of Dancing With The Stars in recent years. In addition to her parents and siblings, Barbara is predeceased by Ralph, her husband of 71 years, and their youngest son, Paul. Survivors include five children, Ruth May (Gus), Michael (Stephanie), Geri Sutton (Chuck), Ralph (Anne), Suzanne Morrison (Michael); 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A funeral Mass to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10 am with visitation beginning at 9 am at the church. The family respectfully requests memorials be made to Children’s Developmental Center at McMains c/o OLOL Foundation (fmolhs.org) in thanksgiving for aiding Paul with his life challenge of cerebral palsy. Special thanks to Barbara’s caregivers (Keisha, Shirley, Lassandra, Denise, Virginia and Darlene) whose care allowed Barbara to remain at home these last years as she requested and showered her with TLC. Thanks also to St. Joseph Hospice during these last few weeks. Shalom (as you often wrote), Mom! Rest in our loving Father.