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Donna Rae Winkelman
10/25/1942 — 07/07/2010
From Medical, Lake, WA, US | Born in Fallon, Nevada
Donna Rae Winkelman
Donna Mower Winkelman, 67, mercifully met her Lord and Savior on July 7 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane due to complications from pneumonia.
Donna was born October 25, 1942, in Fallon, Nevada, to Iva Lee Taylor and Wynn Mower. Donnas family moved to Republic, Washington, where she grew up in a loving and exceptionally close-knit family. She graduated from Republic High School in 1960 where she played basketball and softball and was crowned Miss Republic. Donna had a strong love for music and was an accomplished piano player from which she earned a music scholarship to Eastern Washington University. In 1960, she met and married the love of her life Merlin Wink Winkelman. Donna and Wink then lived in Cheney for seven years and Pittsburgh for five years before moving to the Tri-Cities in 1972 where she lived until her death.
Donna was fun-loving and family oriented. She loved playing the piano, listening to music and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed going on long walks and meeting friends for coffee. Donna suffered from mental illness since early adulthood. Her enormous courage, fortitude and grace in coping with her illness will always be remembered by her family and friends.
Donna is preceded in death by her mother Iva and father Les Avenson, biological father Wynn Mower, husband Merlin Winkelman, and daughter Danielle Winkelman. She is survived by four children and their families: son Rick Winkelman, wife Dawn and children Bryan, Kyle and Garrett of Reno; son Kevin Randy Winkelman, wife Tracie and children Anna and Mia of Richland; son Ron Winkelman and wife Merilee of Honolulu; daughter Lisa Tinkcom, husband Wes and child Robert of Richland. She is also survived by her sisters Linda Fox of Irrigon, OR, Sharon Lutz of Sandpoint, brothers Larry Mower of Youngstown, OH, Lanny Mower of Prineville, OR, Jake Avenson of Bremerton, WA, and Danny Avenson of Las Vegas.
A memorial service celebrating Donnas life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 21st at Einans Funeral Home in Richland.
Donna was not only my favorite sister, she was my best friend. She was the most awesome person and went through more pain and sorrow than anyone should. I will join you in Heaven soon Sis! I will love you forever!
We will miss you my Sister, it was our pleasure to know you for such a short time here on earth. We will see you again, Love, Jake, Cindy and Family
We’re very saddened by Donna’s passing and have everyone in our prayers.
Barry, Elea, Michael and Matthew Lutz
What an awesome mother I had in Donna. I can honestly say that at every point in my life I knew that I was deeply loved by my wonderful mother. She always gave 110% to all us kids and we were lucky and blessed to have her. We miss and love her always.
We are praying for Ricki, Randy, Ronnie, Lisa and their families.
Guestbook for
Donna Rae Winkelman