Irma Esther Winn

In Loving Memory of Irma Winn (Kimmerle)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear matriarch, Irma Winn (Kimmerle), whom we affectionately called "Sug."

We were blessed to celebrate Sug's 100th birthday on June 8, 2026, surrounded by many out-of-state relatives and dear friends who traveled to honor this momentous occasion. It was a beautiful celebration of a remarkable woman and a life so richly lived.

Sug was born in Missouri and raised on the family farm. As the youngest of five siblings, she learned from an early age the value of hard work and responsibility. Her days began with farm chores-feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, and milking the cows-before heading off to school at a one-room schoolhouse. The many lessons she learned during her years on the farm stayed with her throughout her life. She became an accomplished gardener, seamstress, and homemaker, with a special talent for canning fruits and vegetables and making the most of whatever was available.

Then she fell in love with Howard Winn, a handsome young man who won her heart with his wonderful sense of humor-and, perhaps, a brand-new car! They married on May 29, 1946.

Howard re-entered the Air Force after having previously served in the Army Air Corps. Their life together took them to military assignments in Texas, California, New York, and Panama, and finally to Ohio, where Howard retired. Each assignment brought its own challenges, but Sug faced every new adventure with confidence, strength, and grace. Their favorite duty station was Panama, where they thoroughly enjoyed their time there, collecting shells and learning to square dance.

Amid their travels, they welcomed three children: Gary, Dennis, and Cheryl. Raising their children as "military brats" meant that the family became accustomed to adapting to new cities, states, and countries. It gave the children a broad perspective on life and helped make them well-rounded and open-minded.

After Howard retired in Ohio, the couple longed for a more laid-back lifestyle in the country. After much research and traveling to various locations, they decided that Mena, Arkansas, was the place that met everything they were looking for. They lived there for 38 wonderful years and created a welcoming homestead that became a special gathering place for everyone who visited.

Their grandchildren called it "the happiest place on Earth." Sug made everyone's favorite foods and provided endless farm entertainment, including rides on the "tractors"-which were actually riding lawn mowers! The laughter, food, love, and memories created there will forever remain a treasured part of the family's history. But Sug and Howard's love of adventure didn't stop there. They spent many happy years traveling together in their truck camper, exploring the country and ultimately visiting all 50 states. Their travels added countless stories, experiences, and memories to a life already filled with adventure. Sug embraced each journey with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that she brought to everything else in life.

After Howard passed away in 2013, Sug relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be closer to family. There, she continued to share her love through her baking. Her baked goods were a specialty, and she took great pride in making treats for the kids on a regular basis. She especially loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who delighted in hearing her stories about her travels, life on the farm, and the many adventures she experienced throughout her long life.

Sug was a prolific letter writer, an amazing quilter, and had a green thumb through and through. She will be remembered as an independent, confident, kind, and loving woman who never lost her wonderful ability to make others laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers and sisters; her beloved husband, Howard, her true love and lifelong partner; and her two sons, Gary and Dennis.

She leaves behind her daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Bob; grandson Matthew, his wife, Ryan and their two kids, Carson and Avery: granddaughter Stephanie, her husband, Matt, and their two sons, Ethan and Liam; grandson Andy, his daughter, London; granddaughter Laura and grandson Austin, his wife, Deanna, and their two children, Alice and Caroline. She also leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward for generations to come.

We take comfort in knowing that Sug lived a wonderful, productive, and happy life spanning 100 remarkable years. She will be terribly missed, but we find peace in knowing that she has been reunited with the loved ones who went before her.

She was so dearly treasured. Our hearts are broken, but her spirit will live on in each of us. We each learned so much from her-her strength, independence, generosity, humor, and infinite wisdom. The lessons she gave us, the stories she shared, and the love she poured into her family will remain with us always.

Rest peacefully, Sug. You were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed.