Gladys Irene Winkler, of Hot Springs, passed away February 19, 2010, at the Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs, SD. She was 85 years old.

Gladys was born on June 24, 1924 in Tuthill, SD, to Frank and Mary Gertrude (Parks) Hoyt and grew up in the Crawford, NE, area.

Gladys met the love of her life, Sennett (Wink) Winkler while working as a waitress in a Crawford diner while he was on leave from the army. They were united in marriage in Monroe, LA, on November 23, 1943. The couple moved to Hot Springs in 1945 and made it their home until November of 1968. Gladys worked for many years at the local dry cleaners and later in the Credit Union at the VA Center. From 1968 until 2007, when they returned to Hot Springs, they lived in Aurora and Loveland, CO; Sun City, AZ; Canyon City, Wheat Ridge, and Evans, CO.

Gladys was a sweet and gracious lady who won the hearts of all who met her. She loved the sight of children playing and the sound of their giggles. Gladys tended to her beautiful flower gardens with the same enthusiasm she used when playing cards with family and friends or pulling the lever on a slot machine.

Gladys is survived by her husband of 66 years,Sennett; a sister, Rita Howard of Albuquerque, NM; a son, Jerry (Elaine) Winkler of Las Vegas, NV; a daughter, Linda (Marvin) Colson of Smithwick, SD; two grandsons; four granddaughters; five great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, two brothers and one step-sister.

Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Dr. J. Edwin Coates officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials in Gladys' name may be sent to either the Prairie View United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association.


Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.