Wathena Lee Winfrey

Wathena Lee Winfrey, 80, of Welch, Okla., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at her daughters rural Vinita home, surrounded by her family. She was born February 5, 1940 in Vinita to Halbert Parsons and Wilma (Cheek) Parsons. She was a graduate of Centralia Schools, Class of 1958. She was of the Baptist faith. On July 14, 1983, Wathena married Richard Winfrey in a ceremony in Miami. She worked for the First National Bank in Vinita for 37 years, retiring as Vice President. She dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their ball games and watching them grow up. She loved working in the garden with Richard and canning green beans and other vegetables. She was a joy to be around and she was loved by all that knew her, even though she may lovingly give you a hard time. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Carolyn Boyd; and her son in law, Eddie Griffin. She is survived by her husband, Richard, of the home in Welch; her children, Laura Griffin of Vinita, Steve Russell and wife Robin of Adair, Robin Agler and husband Brian of Columbus , Ohio, and Rick Winfrey and wife Terri of Afton; her siblings, Wanda Punches of Pawhuska, Vicky Fowler of Bedford, TX, Jo Herriman and husband Scott of South Coffeyville, OK, Doris Parsons of Owasso, David Parsons and wife Julie of Delaware, OK, Randy Parsons and wife Tricia of South Coffeyville, OK, and Gerald Parsons of Alpine, TX; her granddaughters, Whitney Wilson and husband Dustin, Paige Long and husband Deke, Hailie Griffin, Miranda Lewis and husband Alex, Chase Winfrey, Rian Winfrey, Taylor Agler, and Brice Agler; six great grandchildren; numerous brothers and sisters in law; along with the entire Winfrey family; and a host of friends. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 at the Bluejacket Cemetery with Pastor Davies Vanpool officiating. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept, 17 at the Thomas & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Welch. In keeping with Wathena's wishes, the casket will remain closed. *CDC guidelines will apply for the visitation and the wearing of masks and social distancing is encouraged.

Wathena Lee Winfrey

February 5, 1940 - September 15, 2020