Winifred Knight Gatenby , age 88, of most recently Custer, S.D. (previously from Gallatin, MO; Kansas City, KS & MO; Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN; Cheyenne, WY; Yukon, OK; Livermore, Colorado; Wichita, KS; and Blue Springs, MO!) passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer, SD.
Winnie was born August 19, 1923 to John and (Eula) Brook (Mooney) Knight in Locks Springs, Mo., just outside of Gallatin, MO on her Grandpa Knight's farm. She was the older of two children and graduated from Gallatin High School in 1941. A young Staff Sergeant in the Army and newly discharged from the military, saw her exit a car on the Gallatin square one day in early 1946. The story goes she got her skirt caught on the gear shift and Lyle couldn't resist those legs! They were introduced that week at the local hot spot, McCrary's, we believe they called it! And the rest they say is history. Lucky for those of us who loved her and her choices! On May 19, 1946, Winnie and Lyle traveled to Warrensburg, MO where a Community of Christ minister, Ted Beck, married them.

They took up residence in Gallatin, MO, where Lyle worked for his father-in-law, John Knight, who owned the Skelly gas station and tank wagon service. The first of their 3 children, Lana (Gatenby) VunCannon, was born in September, 1947. They lived in a cute little storefront apartment on the west side of the Gallatin square until they moved to one of many apartments/homes in Gallatin. Also during this time, Winnie, her mother and family friends owned and managed a little main street café. The second of their 3 children, John Floyd Gatenby was born May, 1951. In 1952, the family moved to Shawnee Mission, KS where Lyle took a job with Westinghouse and later Bendix Aviation/Atomic Energy Commission, and he started his career as a Quality Control Engineer. During this time, Winnie kept busy for several years as owner/manager, chief cook (homemade soups and pies), dishwasher and custodian for 'Winkle's Kitchen' at 39th and Wyandotte. 'Wink' and 'Winkle' were pet names Lyle had for Winnie. The third of the 3 children, Mary Brook Gatenby was born January, 1957. The family moved to Kansas City. MO just south of the Plaza in 1958.

Not long after that, a transfer was in store for Lyle while working for the Atomic Energy Commission and in 1959 the family moved to Minneapolis, MN. Several moves occurred in the metro area. While living in St Paul, MN, Winnie became a licensed institutional food service supervisor and served as the national president of HIFSS (Hospital, Institutional Food Service Supervisors, her professional association). Her HIFSS affiliations made it possible for Winnie to work with some major food companies to develop bread and other food recipes specifically designed to improve nutritional and digestion needs in geriatric diets. Also during this time, for 10 years Winnie served in her professional capacity at the Shalom Home, the only kosher, senior care center in the upper mid-west at that time. She touched the lives of many Jews and Gentiles in this role and credits her love and knowledge of the Scriptures as the reason for her placement and her success there.

In November, 1976, Lyle and Winnie began a self-employment adventure in Cheyenne, WY. They purchased an electronic sub-assemblies business that grew into what is currently known as Gater Industries. Winnie worked with Lyle in the family business as office manager and purchasing agent until their retirement in 1989. While in Cheyenne, Winnie also found time to lobby in Washington, DC for senior meals on wheels. She was instrumental in establishing meals on wheels in Cheyenne. Son, John, and daughter, Mary Brook, also worked for several years in their family business.

Lyle and Winnie began their retirement stage with a brief stay in Yukon, OK where they lived on Surry Hills Golf course. Lyle got 2 new 'bionic knees' as he called them…better to play golf on! However, the lure of the Colorado Mountains was too much for them and they returned to build a log house in Livermore, Colorado in 1993. They lived there and loved the mountains until the altitude effect on failing health forced them to a lower 'nest' in Wichita, KS in 1996. The plan was to take up residence with daughter #1 and use that central location as their home base when they traveled to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and any where else that called their name. In January, 1997 however, Lyle was called to meet his Maker and Winnie remained with Lana and her husband, Mike. Winnie took her children and spouses on an Alaskan cruise in May, 1999 to remember 'Daddy' and celebrate their wedding anniversary on May 19th.

In February, 2000, employment opportunities for Lana's husband prompted a move to Blue Springs, MO where they all lived until Mike and Lana caught 'Custer Fever' while visiting family for the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in 2002! The Black Hills provide the benefits of mountain living at a lower altitude. The real seller was it is also closer to son, John and his wife, Sharon and Mary Brook and her husband, Bob, both of whom live in Loveland, CO. …a weekend trip now versus NOT! During preparations to relocate to Custer, SD, Winnie took a fall at home, cracked a bone in one of her knees and needed rehabilitation at the Groves Senior Care in Independence, MO. As luck would have it, she also contracted a severe case of Shingles but by moving time, Winnie was ready to go again!

She spent the holidays in December, 2008 in Loveland, CO with John and Sharon and Mary Brook and Bob while Lana and Mike made the physical move to 5 acres just north of Custer, SD. From January, 2009 until October, 2010, Winnie enjoyed the Black Hills, its wild life and all other aspects of country living. On October 1, 2010, failing health required 24 hour care that the family could not provide at home. The Custer Regional Senior Care Center provided top notch care for Winnie until Sunday, August 21, 2011 when her loving Lord said, "Ok, Winnie, it's time now!"

Winnie is survived by her younger (by 18 months) brother, Wayne Knight and partner, Kathryn Lambright of Cameron, MO; 3 children, Lana and Mike VunCannon, Sr. of Custer, SD; John and Sharon Gatenby of Loveland, CO and Mary Brook Gatenby and Bob Sutphin of Loveland, CO. Also surviving her are 7 grandchildren, Michael and Jenni VunCannon II; Michelle and Doug Heacock; Steven Gatenby; Christine Williams; Justin Gatenby; Rob and Cathy Jarosh; Chris and Ange Jarosh; and 15 great-grandchildren!

Winnie was a very proud American, was a 'Rosie, the Riveter' at the old Ford plant in Kansas City during WWII and made it a point to know all the congressmen from whatever state she was living in. They knew her too and heard from her often.

Winnie's wishes were to be cremated and her ashes scattered someplace beautiful. A casual memorial reception for Winnie is being planned for October 1, 2011 from 2-4pm at the Mission Woods Community of Christ; 2800 Duncan Road; in Blue Springs, MO.

As was the practice when Lyle passed away, in lieu of flowers or memorials, please use those funds to do something special with family! Thank you for the role you have played in the life of Winifred Knight Gatenby.

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