Patricia "Pat" Doreen Winn

In Loving Memory of Patricia "Pat" Doreen Winn

Pat was born on February 1, 1935, in Siebert, Colorado, and passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 26, 2025, at the age of 90. She was the eldest of three daughters born to Lavander Earl Thomas and Evelyn Lucille (Emery) Thomas.

Pat's early years were marked by academic excellence and athletic competency. She graduated as valedictorian from Flagler High School in 1953, where she captained the basketball team and was renowned for her skills on the court, often outplaying her male counterparts. Her charisma and leadership were further recognized when she was crowned homecoming queen as a sophomore.

She embarked on her higher education journey at the Colorado State College of Education in Greeley-now the University of Northern Colorado. However, her studies were abruptly halted by an acute appendicitis attack. Faced with a prolonged recovery, she chose not to return to college. Instead, in a spirited and bold decision, Pat eloped with her high school sweetheart, Robert Allen Winn, marrying him in Raton, New Mexico-fully aware that her father might not approve.

Pat and Bob's journey together was filled with love and adventure. They welcomed their first daughter, Coleen Kay, in Flagler, Colorado. Twenty-one months later, Terria Lea was born, and the family resided in Goodland, Kansas. Four years later, Sheryl Ann, affectionately nicknamed "Herm" by her father, completed their family.

The family later moved to Colby, Kansas, where Pat immersed herself in her daughters' activities including Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts, and serving as Guardian of Job's Daughters. She also managed the Clerk of the Course at summer swimming meets. In her leisure, Pat enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid bowler, earning numerous 200-club patches, and one 300 patch for a perfect game.

In 1973, the Winn family relocated to Garden City, Kansas following Bob's promotion to Postmaster. Determined to complete her education, Pat earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City in 1992 at 57 years old. She briefly taught elementary school and later served as a substitute teacher.

Pat and Bob embraced early retirement in their 60s, traveling extensively and cherishing their time together. Pat stood by Bob's side during his battle with cancer, caring for him until his passing in 2006. Her unwavering support ensured he could attend their eldest grandchild's wedding (Robert Allen Grimes), a testament to her dedication and love of her family.

A devoted grandmother, Pat cherished her five grandchildren: Robert Allen "Rob Bob" Grimes of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Stephanie Dianne "Pee Wee" (Winn) Putzke of Tulsa, Oklahoma; the late Tricia Deanne "T-n-W" Winn of Wichita, Kansas; Amanda Noel "Dumplin" Silva of Dodge City, Kansas; and Nickolas Ryan "Toe-Head" Silva of Dodge City, Kansas. She created magical Christmases, loved to play dominoes with her entire family, and engaged in many spirited political discussions around the table. Pat and Bob took their eldest grandchildren on memorable trips to Washington, D.C., Carlsbad Caverns, and Yellowstone National Park. Summers at Grandma Pat's in Garden City were filled with swimming, hot tubbing, and her special dishes for each grandchild. She attended countless events, from swim meets to concerts to baseball games to high school and college graduations always cheering on her grandchildren.

An ardent fan of Kansas athletics, Pat held season tickets to Kansas football games during her granddaughter's college years. When watching at home, she often muted the TV to take her own stats, showcasing her deep understanding and love for the game-a passion rooted in her high school basketball days. Her extensive knowledge of Kansas basketball history could rival that of the most dedicated historians.

In her later years, Pat was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Charlotte Elizabeth Putzke and Lucas Michael Putzke, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Still residing in Garden City at the time of their births and at about 80 years old, she drove across Kansas and Oklahoma to meet her great-grandbabies shortly after their arrivals. Lovingly named "Gigi" by Charlotte and Lucas, Pat found immense joy in watching them grow during her final years.

Pat was many things to many people: Patty, Pat, Sister, Wife, Mom, Aunt Patty, Grandma, GiGi. We were lucky enough to be her people-her everything-and she defended that ferociously.

She is preceded in death by:

Parents:

•Lavander Earl Thomas and Evelyn Lucille (Emery) Thomas, both of Norton, Kansas;

Sister:

•Wilda (Thomas) Forbes of Goodland, Kansas;

Husband:

•Robert "Bob" Allen Winn of Garden City, Kansas;

Granddaughter:

•Tricia Deanne Winn of Wichita, Kansas.

She is survived by:

Sister:

•Pamela (Thomas) Ulmer and her husband Gary Ulmer, of Olathe, Kansas;

Daughters:

•Coleen Winn Grimes of Olathe, Kansas;

•Terria Lea Winn and her husband Richard Winn of Wichita, Kansas;

•Sheryl (Winn) Silva and her husband Mark Silva of Guymon, Oklahoma;

Grandchildren:

•Robert Allen Grimes and his wife Marnie Grimes of Tulsa, Oklahoma;

•Stephanie Dianne (Winn) Putzke and her husband Michael Putzke of Tulsa, Oklahoma;

•Amanda Noel Silva and her husband Tyler Silva of Dodge City, Kansas;

•Nickolas Ryan Silva of Dodge City, Kansas;

Great-Grandchildren:

•Charlotte Elizabeth Putzke and Lucas Michael Putzke, children of Michael and

Stephanie Putzke, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service Wine Room, 1329 E 151st Street, Glenpool, OK 74033 at 2pm CST. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.