Lennie Winfield, 90, of Riverton, Wyo., died peacefully at her home surrounded by family on the morning, Feb. 2. At her request a private family service was held at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton, Wyo.
Lennie Louise Spring was born on April 12, 1932, in Buckeye, Ariz., to Wilburn Neal and Corrine (Oakes) Spring. She was enrolled in the Choctaw Tribe but also had Cherokee in her family lineage.
Lennie was the oldest child, who along with her family, moved from Hugo, Okla., during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in a Model T with a rumble seat to Hanford, Calif. During the trip she helped cook, clean and took care of her younger siblings. From a young age, Lennie desired to see Elvis but her momma thought he was too wild.
Lennie loved baseball and especially enjoyed tetherball in her youth. In school she was chosen to play on the boys’ eighth-grade baseball team when there were not enough boys.
On July 3, 1948, Lennie married the love of her life, Darrell Hugh Winfield, in Hanford, Calif. The couple was married for 66 years before Darrell passed in 2015. Together they raised one son, Brian, and five daughters, Janet, Nancy, Linda, Debi and Darlene. In 1968, the family moved to Daniel, Wyo., where they remained until January 1974, when they moved the family to start the WD/Winfield ranch outside of Riverton, Wyo.
Family was Lennie’s highest priority, highest success and devotion. Raising children and helping out others were Lennie’s and Darrell’s passion. Lennie’s family said she was a very giving and supportive individual, always thinking of everyone’s needs before her own. She was satisfied while surrounded by loving children. The family will always remember her strong spirit that was warm, caring and had a glowing spark. During her illness, Lennie would light up as someone came through the door for a visit. She was always thankful and giving, never took and always gave.
Lennie enjoyed and excelled at cooking; winning Blue Ribbons for her sour cream raisin pies, rye and white bread, peanut brittle and green chili. She also had a fondness for gardening.
Lennie and Darrell enjoyed many rodeos together, especially the Gymkhanas at Pavillion, of which they were longtime supporters, donating their time, energy, and in-kind to the youth rodeos. Many fond memories were made when Lennie and Darrell would take first place in the rodeo ribbon roping. Everyone delighted in watching Lennie when Darrell would match her in arm-wrestling competitions and foot races — where Lennie usually won.
She is survived by son, Brian Winfield; daughters, Janet Mendes, Nancy Eppler, Linda Saunders (Dailen Jones), Debi Walters, Darlene Raymond (Robert); three grandchildren the couple raised, Kelly, Kari and Katie Winfield; one great-grandchild, Aspen Winfield; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Bealy Joaquin, of California, brother, Dean Spring (Wendy) of Arizona, brothers-in-law, Ray Winfield of Oklahoma, Manual Thomas, from Calif., Stan Garcia of California; and numerous friends that were considered family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn “Springer” and Corrine (Oakes) Spring; husband, Darrell Winfield; great-grandson, Clay Walters; sisters, Cora Lee Thomas and Nancy Sue Garcia; sons-in-law, Dan Mendes, Billy Eppler, Guy Faris, and Dave Walters; brothers and sister-in-law, Tony Joaquin, Bill Winfield, Barbara White, Norman White, Marilyn Brooks, Buddy Winfield, Billy Winfield; parents-in-law, Marion and Dapalean Winfield; and many close family friends.
Memorials may be made to the Fremont County Youth Rodeo Association or to any organization dedicated to benefit children of the donor’s choice. Memorials may be sent in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
Online condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com.
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory and Monuments.
