Jane W. Winkley

Jane Wells Winkley, 77, was born in Norwood, Ohio on June 22, 1936 to John and Ruth (Morgan) Wells. She joined her brothers Ralph, Don, Ivan and sister Mary. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

As a young girl Jane remembered the house was always quiet as her mother was very ill and eventually passed away when Jane was only 10. Her father later remarried and brother Bill and sister Sue were added to complete the family.

Jane graduated from Colerain High School in Colerain Township, Ohio in 1954. After attending college for a short time Jane worked as a secretary for General Electric in the Jet Engine Department for seven years.

Jane met her future husband, Jerry Winkley, at her parent’s home where he was helping her brother work on cars. Jane and Jerry were married on Oct. 20, 1962. They were married for 44 years until Jerry’s death in 2006. Of that union three children were born: Mary, Elizabeth and John.

While Jerry served in the Navy, Jane built them a home in San Diego. Once discharged, they moved to St. Louis where their children were born. Jane took to her new title of Mom. She made baby clothes and Halloween costumes, led Girl Scout and Cub Scout groups, volunteered at school and baked cookies.

In 1980, the Winkley Family moved to Rollins to live next to Jerry’s dad. Jane continued her involvement in Girl Scouts and reinvigorated the Rollins Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Jane moved to Kalispell in 2000.

Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1990s and underwent a mastectomy. She became a supporter of breast cancer issues and mentor to many cancer patients.

Jane and Jerry were strong supporters of the A.L.E.R.T. Air Ambulance Program. After Jerry’s death Jane continued her support of the A.L.E.R.T. Program.

Upon hearing from the local breast surgeon that many women in northwest and northcentral Montana were waiting as long as six months for mammography services the dream of a mobile coach to travel to these rural areas to provide digital mammography, breast ultrasound and bone density testing was born. The Winkley Women’s Center was named in honor of Jane, whose generosity made the mobile coach possible.

Many other organizations throughout the Flathead Valley benefited from Jane’s generosity, including: Stillwater Christian School, the Flathead Food Bank, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Jane was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served as President of the B.L.C.W. (women’s organization), Coordinator of O.W.L.S. (senior program), rang in the handbell choir and was a dedicated office volunteer.

Jane was proceeded in death by her parents, John & Ruth Wells; step-mother Eleanor; brothers, Ralph and Don; husband, Jerry and stillborn daughter, Elizabeth.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Mary Johnson of Bozeman; son, John and Mary Winkley of Aztec, N.M.; grandson, Jack Knighton of Bozeman; brothers, Ivan, Rev. Dr. Wayne and Bill Wells; and sisters, Mary Gandenberger and Sue Shuman. Jane also leaves behind many friends who loved her in the Flathead Valley and her beloved dog, “Grub” and cat, “Wynnie.”

A celebration of Jane’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main Street in Kalispell with Pastor Mark Gravrock officiating. Jane’s favorite color was pink and we ask, if possible, that you wear something pink to her service to honor her and all breast cancer patients.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choosing. If you choose to give flowers, Jane requested that they be delivered to a local nursing home for the living to enjoy.