Ronald Clark Winn

Ronald C. Winn, 78, passed away September 24, 2012 in Walla Walla, Washington at the Washington Odd Fellows Home.

A few days before his passing, one of the nurses at the Odd Fellows asked Ron, “Do you want your TV turned on?” Ron replied, “No, I’m going somewhere.” So she asked, “Are you going somewhere with family?” Ron replied, “Yes, I think I am.” He knew where he was going! The day of his passing was his first day of peace and quiet in six years. We, his family, know you are flying high!

Ron was born in Milton Freewater, Oregon to Harold Winn & Martha Brunton-Winn on August 22, 1934. He quit high school to enlist in the Navy. He proudly served his country for 8 years. Part of that time was spent in active combat in Korea. After returning home, he married Myrna Zier, along with Diana & Dave on March 17, 1963. Two kids not his own, but he made them his own by adoption and raised them as his own. To that family union, Bryan was born in 1963 and Rhonda was born in 1965. Raising four kids, he needed to get a better education so he got his GED while working 2 jobs and taking care of four kids. He worked hard at many jobs (gas stations, Liberty Theatre, Capital Theatre, Stone Machinery) until he found his niche at the Union Pacific Railroad. It was the best living he could provide his family even though it took him away from home. He retired from Union Pacific but his love of being around people was not satisfied so he went to work at such places as Taco Time, Walmart & Loney’s.

Ron’s passion was cars: good, bad & ugly. He loved to participate in the demo derby every year. He enjoyed motorcycles tremendously. If you needed a part for your car, everyone knew they could count on Ron to have it laying around in one of his many storage places! If you needed a car, Ron was the go-to guy to find the best deal in town! Ron was a member of the Elks. He spent many a morning drinking coffee and shooting pool (and the breeze) at the Men’s Club. Ron would give the shirt off his back to a friend, stranger or enemy! He loved life and he loved people.

Dad was King of sandwich making! No one could resist his sandwiches once we saw him making one. It took him 15 minutes to meticulously craft his work of art. He staple was catsup, which he considered a food group on its own.

He also had a love for bowling. He bowled on a league for 40 years, teaching all of his kids how to bowl. He coached little league when Dave & Bryan were playing. He spent time with his boys that other parents didn’t. He was very active in his nephew’s lives, Tony, Troy & Skeeter. We all have fond memories of having extended family as part of our lives.

Ron is survived by his children: Diana (Randy) Pierce, Dave (Sandi) Winn, Bryan (Ann) Winn, Rhonda (Kent) Boyd, also Kevin & Gregg Tuell (and their families) of California; sisters, Patti Anderson & Linda Winn of Walla Walla, WA; grandchildren, Amanda Ewoniuk, Ryan Pierce, Samantha Pierce, J.D. Winn, Shannon Dunn, Hannah Jones, Logan Winn, Steven Gilbert, Erin Gilbert, Hayden Winn, Paige Boyd & Sydney Boyd; great grandchildren, Lilli, Lauren & Lola Ewoniuk, Bailey Pierce, Abigail Winn, Audrey Gilbert, Damien & Linus Boyd-Smiley; nieces & nephews, Debbie (Rocky) Jennings, Skeeter (Carol) Anderson, Tony (Beth) Pugliese, Troy Pugliese, Sherry (Bill) Orchard & Wayne (Denise) Zier. He was preceded in death by his parents & his wife, Myrna Winn.

A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Stroke Association through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the people at the Odd Fellows Home who cared for our Dad the last six years of his life. You helped make his life confined to a bed and a chair more bearable. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!!