May 27, 1969 - April 26, 2021

Tina Jo Winkler, 51, of Sweet Home died, with her family by her side, on April 26, 2021 from complications of diabetes and heart disease.

She was born on May 27, 1969 in Springfield to Edward E. and Loretta Sue (O’Neil) Winkler.  

The family lived in Sweet Home until she was in elementary school, at which time they moved to Redmond, where she attended school.

She then moved back to Sweet Home where she lived out her life.

Ms. Winkler had a variety of jobs throughout her life. She was known as a great cook and had cooked in local restaurants through the years, but what she loved the most was taking care of children.

She showered her nieces and nephews with love and operated her own daycare center from her home for a number of years.

Ms. Winkler loved flowers and was always happy when she could spend her summer evenings tending to them. In years past the extended family gathered for annual family camping trips and she loved these trips full of good times and laughter with all of the family and her cooking for the whole crew.

She married Daniel Ray Ferebee on Nov. 16, 1998 and they were together until his death in November of 2003.

Ms. Winkler is survived by her father, Ed Winkler, of Sweet Home; mother Sue Baxley, of Sweet Home; brothers Dean Winkler and David Steagall, both of Sweet Home; step-daughter Danielle Ferebee of Canby; nieces Whitney Spenst Heinz of Sweet Home, Kelsey Schultz of Bakersfield, Calif., Samantha Flores of Albany, and Kaitlin Steagall of Sweet Home; nephews Dustin Winkler, Jeremiah Steagall and David Steagall, all of Sweet Home; and three great-nephews whom she loved with all of her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Ferebee; sister Dawn Marie Winkler; grandparents Red and Jessie (Nana) Burnett; and step-father James Baxley.

A graveside service was held April 30 at Gilliland Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Sweet Home Evangelical Church.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ms. Winkler’s name to Little Promises Children’s Program, 28028 Pleasant Valley Road, Sweet Home, OR  97386.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.