Aunt Winni

Might I suggest that you go to www.alamosanews.com and to www.lubbockonlne.com for the obituaries for Aunt Winni. I felt the service was very special for a special lady. Her nephew Nathan Coombs gave the obit at the service and grandson Heath Cotter gave a talk. There were two special poems presented one by author Raymond Carver and the other was read by her niece, "the End that is better Than the Beginning." Her favorite song was an instrumental presented by her granddaughter, which was done on the piano and very lovely. Donnie, Larry and Kent were honorary escorts. That was a special honor. the grave was dedicated by her son in law - Keith Vardeman. The service was not to morn her passing but to celebrate her life. I hope I can have such a celebration when it is my time as well. Indeed it was a time of dedication of the special person she was as she blessed others lives.

Vance
Posted: Friday, Aug 29th, 2008


Wynona Winnibell Vance, 85



WOODROW, Texas — Former Manassa, Colo. resident Wynona Winnibell Vance was born March 18, 1923 in a logging camp near El Vado, N.M., the fifth child and second daughter of John Walter Langston and Delzia Geneva Bridges Langston. She passed away Aug. 27, 2008, in the home of her daughter Leslie on a farm near Woodrow, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Leslie Vance, her parents John Walter and Delzia Langston, her brothers Merlin, Ivan, and Joe Langston and her sisters Edna Coombs, Barbara King, and Doris Kirkham.

She is survived by her daughters Sue (Layne) Cotter, Leslie (Keith) Vardeman; her son Randy Vance along with four granddaughters, four grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Sat., Aug. 30, 2008 at the Manassa First Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Interment will follow in the Manassa Cemetery. Visitation will be Fri., Aug. 29, 2008 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the LDS perpetual education fund.

Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa.

Wynona Winnibell Vance

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Story last updated at -

Wynona Winnibell Vance was born March 18, 1923 in a logging camp near El Vado, N.M. She was the fifth child and second daughter of John Walter Langston and Delzia Geneva Bridges Langston. She passed away August 27, 2008 in the home of her daughter, Leslie, on a farm near Woodrow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Lesslie Vance; her parents, John Walter and Delzia Langston; brothers, Merlin, Ivan, and Joe Langston; sisters, Edna Coombs, Barbara King, and Doris Kirkham.

She is survived by her daughters, Sue Cotter and husband Layne; Leslie Vardeman and husband Keith; son, Randy Vance; four granddaughters; four grandsons; and seven great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Advanced Home Health & Hospice, and especially Josie. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the LDS perpetual education fund or hospice.

The most wonderful feeling

As we drove to Manassa this morning, my head was flooded with memories. I was feeling anxious about the funeral. There were members of my family that I hadn't seen for over three decades. I took my camera today thinking that I would have some pictures to post to the blog when we got home. If the success of the trip were measured by the number and quality of pictures taken, it would have to be considered a failure.

As we arrived at the Church house in Manassa, the parking lot was almost empty. I felt encouraged when I recognized Don and Gloria's PT cruiser. We parked by them and went into the building. It was empty except for the organist who was taking advantage of a few minutes to practice before everyone came. We were asked by a kind gentle man if we were going to the mortuary for the final viewing. We decided to follow him and his wife to the Mortuary that was just a block away.

The crowd on the porch of the building was promising. I could see my sister in law, Gloria, my brother, Don, my sister, Bonnie, and Mom. They greeted us warmly and we all went in to meet Aunt Mike's family. Each of them was so kind and warm. They were grieving, but they were gracious and thinking of others.

The funeral was uplifting and inspiring. Tears were shed as family members shared poetry, memories and testimonies. Those participating in the program shared their love for a wonderful woman who had taught them by the life she lived. Her grandson reminded us that just as there would be a reunion of family after the funeral, there would be a reunion on the other side with family that had been separated for years. I have never had a more effective lesson on Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.

When we returned to the chapel after the grave side service, I had another lesson on what is important. My camera sat on the table as I visited with my cousins, their children and their other cousins who had also come to bid farewell to a common loved one. The people in that room, were all one family linked by our love of Aunt Mike. To me, there is no feeling more wonderful than feeling I belong to a family. That feeling cannot be photographed, but today it's keeping me warm. Tomorrow it will be engraved in my heart.