Virginia Lee Winkler

Virginia Lee (Self) Winkler, 72, of Gentry, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Regency Hospital of Springdale.

Virginia, known to many as "Jenny," was born on February 10, 1953, in Rogers, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Dale Self and Betty (Boatman) Self. She married Lonnie Winkler Sr. on October 1, 1971, in Rogers, who preceded her in death in 2017. Virginia loved the Lord most of all. She was known to say "I love you, but Jesus loves you more." She had a servant's heart and served anywhere she was needed in the church. She was a member of The Assembly in Siloam Springs. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, quilting, cooking for those she loved, and reading her Bible. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her children and grandchildren. She had a way of making each grandchild feel like her favorite, even though they all knew they were all equally her favorites!

Virginia attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin where she earned her bachelor’s in education. She taught first and second grades in the Westville Public schools for many years before her retirement. She loved teaching children of all ages, in church, school, and life. She was an excellent story teller and could capture the attention of any audience.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three brothers: Elza “Buddy” Self, Willis Self, and Jackie Self.

She is survived by three sons, William Dale Winkler of Joplin, Missouri, Lonnie James Winkler II of Goodman, Missouri, and Jackie Lee Winkler of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two daughters, Mary Ann Howe of Joplin, Missouri, and Jennifer Mae Freeman of Gentry, Arkansas; two sisters, Kathryn Peterson of Washburn, Missouri and Debra Dawson of Gentry, Arkansas; seven granddaughters, fourteen grandsons, two great granddaughters and two great grandsons; along with a host of other family members and friends.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Siloam Springs from 5:00pm to7:00pm.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:00am at The Assembly in Siloam Springs. Pastor Gary Wheat and Pastor Dick Rogers will officiate the service with burial being held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs. Arrangements are entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR.