Martha Winkler

Martha Jo Winkler was a long-time resident of Thatcher, Arizona. She passed away peaceably on June 18, 2012, surrounded by her loving family at the Hospice of Arizona, in Sun City West, Arizona. Martha was born on January 29, 1932 in Van Lear, Kentucky to Henry and Flossie Burnett, who preceded her in death, as well as her brother Henry, sisters Phyllis, Elizabeth (Betty), Patricia, and her two grandchildren Bobbie and James Wachter. She moved to Thatcher, Arizona when she was 21, and has been a permanent resident ever since. She was the beloved wife of Jack Leonard who passed away from cancer in 1967. She met and married her soul mate, Paul Winkler, and lived their days together in bliss until his death, also from cancer. Martha spent 25-years as the dorm mother of Nellie Lee Hall at the Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona. She retired several years ago and spent her time loving and helping raise her great-grandchildren, as well as socializing with her friends and family. Martha was an active member of the Church of Christ in Safford, Arizona. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Robby Wachter of Flagstaff, Arizona; her grand-daughter and grandson-in-law Jaci and Aaron Stewart of Surprise, Arizona; her grandson and grand-daughter Steven and Robyn Wachter of Flagstaff, Arizona; her great-grandchildren Kori and Cody Stewart of Surprise, Arizona; her sister Donna Riffe of Stanton, Kentucky; her niece Anita Poling and family of Phoenix, Arizona. Martha was well loved, and will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 28, 2012. There will be visitation from 10:00 11:00 a.m. and services from 11:00 - 12:00 p.m., at the Caldwell Funeral Home Chapel in Safford, Arizona. "All of life is a dream walking, all of death is a going home."