Beverly J. (Wood) Winkler

Beverly Joan Winkler

Beverly Joan Winkler, age 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side June 8, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. She was born January 21, 1938 in Vigo County to the late Charles and Gertrude Wood and was one of nine children.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Junior Winkler; two sons, Rusty and Rocky; one daughter, Lori Ann; two brothers Dunk and Buddy; four sisters, Mary, Betty, Sue, and Deed.

She was a 1955 graduate of Concannon High School and obtained a degree in Medical Transcription from Ivy Tech in 1992 earning induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Society for her outstanding performance. Beverly was a member of the Sandford Wesleyan Church where she served as secretary. She was a talented seamstress, dancer, musician, and gardener. She was a long-time member of the Eastern Star and Sandford Ladies Auxiliary. Beverly enjoyed a career as a highly respected medical-office manager through Regional Hospital.

For the last ten years Beverly pursued her greatest passion by volunteering with the Foster Grandparents Program where she put in over 10,000 hours working with over 200 children. She served for many years on the Foster Grandparents Advisory Board and was named as an outstanding volunteer. She made lasting friendships in the program and loved all the children like they were her own.

Beverly is survived by two sons, James Milton of West Terre Haute, Randy Winkler of Terre Haute; two daughters, Carla Hamm of West Terre Haute, Ronne Nutter (Jerry) of Henderson, Nevada; eight grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; two sisters, Georgia Church of West Terre Haute, Cathy Lamb of West Terre Haute; and several beloved nieces and nephews who all knew her as Aunt Pork. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will remember her fondly.

Beverly had a full, interesting life. Some of her greatest escapades included joining the Air Force at 17 and being promptly retrieved by her father, leading an impromptu car race with her sisters at a family reunion that just happened to be next to a dirt track, and on many occasions clearing a dance floor as people stood back to watch her and Junior dance a western swing. The stories and memories are countless and will be cherished by all those whose lives she touched.

In accordance with Beverly’s wishes, she will be cremated and have a private grave-side memorial at a later date.

Anyone wishing to honor Beverly may make donations to the Foster Grandparents Program through the Western Indiana Community Action Agency at www.wicaa.org.