Winona McClanahan

Winona McClanahan passed away April 1, 2015 following a very long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Winona was born to Henry May and Vivian Inez Putman on August 12, 1925 in Healdton, Carter County, Oklahoma, the second of five children. Winona grew up on the family farm outside Healdton where she lived until the family moved to Long Beach, CA following the Great Depression. Winona worked as “Rosie the Riveter” at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, CA during WWII. She married Charles Leroy McClanahan on October, 30, 1943 in Goldsboro, NC while he was stationed there prior to being deployed to the Pacific Theater with the Army Air Corp. Charles and Winona had five children: Charles Jr., Janice, Carolyn, Rodney and Jenifer.
Following Charles’ discharge from the Army Air Corp, they lived in Salem, IL for a short time before moving to Long Beach, CA where they remained for more than 50 years while raising their five children. After their children were grown, they returned to their roots in Carter County, OK for a few years. In 1999, they moved to Durango, CO to be near their three daughters. Winona worked many jobs during her life to help support her family. She also owned and operated her own ice cream business, was a bee keeper and an organic gardener. She also tended an orchard and garden on their retirement property in Parris, CA. She was a homemaker, a nurse and fixer of all scrapes and bruises, and a wise investor. She instilled a love of nature in her children and grandchildren with many adventures to the mountains, desert and beaches. She will be remembered as a loving, giving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She gave her unconditional love in such a way that her family knew without doubt that each and every one was more dear to her than all else. Her passing leaves a huge empty space in our hearts.
Winona was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Vivian Putman; siblings, James Putman, Tiajuana Baldwin Dean, Nancy Malin and Ray Putman; her husband of 64 years, Charles McClanahan; sons, Charles McClanahan Jr. and Rodney McClanahan. She is survived by her daughters Janice McCown and husband, Jerry, of Durango, CO, Carolyn Kidd and husband, Richard, of Florence, OR, and Jenifer Douglas and partner, Mike Jones, of Durango, CO; 6 Grandchildren, 14 Great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
It was Winona’s wish that her remains be cremated and her ashes spread at sea off the coast of Southern California where she will be reunited with her husband, Charles and two sons, Charles Jr. and Rodney. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life is being planned at the time of the spreading of her ashes. Specific details will be announced at a later date.
In view of the fact that Winona "graduated" from Hospice Care 3 times, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Winona's honor be made to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St., Durango, CO 81301 or the charity of one's choice.