Obituary: Mary Ellen Winkles

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our Mema, Mary Ellen Winkles, on October 2, 2023. Mary was born October 15, 1928, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Birtie Brownlow and Mary Ditto Brownlow. Mary graduated high school from Clovis High in 1946. Then, she married Jake Winkles from Pleasant Hill in June of that year. Mary worked and retired from the Sears Department Store.

Mary is survived by her son; Bill (Kelly) Winkles of Yucaipa, CA, and daughter; Jane Miner (Tommy Doolittle) of Clovis, NM, grandchildren; Kristi Mauer of Harrisville, MI, Tessa (Larry) Shaw of Pittsburg, KS, Susan Eggars of Clovis, NM, Melissa (Justin) Howalt of Clovis, NM, Sabrina (Joe) Thieman of Las Cruces, NM, Kenda Eggers of Great Falls, MT; Kenny Eggers of Indiana, Jake Winkles, Trail Winkles, and Katie Winkles, 12 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Jake Winkles, her brothers; Arthur Brownlow, Buford Bill Brownlow, Gary Don Brownlow, her sister; Anita Griffin, her daughter; Linda Eggers, and her son-in-law; Pat Miner.

Lovingly referred to by most who knew her as Mema, Mary nurtured all she came in contact with. She was a doting grandma who spoiled her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their friends with love, food, clothes, and kindness. Counting the many ball games Mary attended during her life is impossible. She loved watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play. Her husband Jake and she supported Little League in Clovis for many years. She had season tickets to watch Wildcat Football games until she could not climb the stairs at the stadium. Mary was a member of the VFW Auxiliary for over 50 years, and she was a member of the Fairfield Extension Club where she shared fellowship and crafted with friends for many years. Mary was a member of the Advent Christian Church all her life.

Justin Howalt, Joe Thieman, Larry Shaw, Ben Thieman, Jerry Woods, and Ernest Ray Woods will serve as Pallbearers. Tessa Shaw, Melissa Howalt, Sabrina Thieman, Madeline Howalt, Ella Howalt, Mary Howalt, and Avery Thieman will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Services for Mary Ellen Winkles will be held at First Methodist Church, 1501 Sycamore, on Monday, October 9, at 11:00 AM, with a graveside service at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 1601 E Llano Estacado Blvd, immediately following. Reverend Jeb Archey will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 762-4435.