Nancy Winters

All who knew Nancy Winters would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was guided by an unwavering faith, and she was friendly and outgoing toward all who were near. Devoted to her family, Nancy was there for her loved ones when needed in ways both great and small. She worked hard in everything she did, but she took the time to enjoy life along the way. Deeply loved, Nancy will be forever missed.

With the end of WWII in 1945, America was making the transition to being a nation at peace once again. Rationing had become a thing of the past, and the baby boom was underway. It was just as this decade was coming to an end that Henry and Frances (Kline) Winters were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the peak of winter held the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, firmly in its grip in January of 1949. Their wait was over on January 23rd when the baby girl they named Nancy Ruth made her arrival. She was the oldest of four as she was joined in her family by her younger siblings, Don Jim, and Jo. To support their family, Nancy’s father was a shoe repairman who owned H. Winters Shoe Repair Shop while her mother was a homemaker who later worked as a secretary. For a short time, their family lived on the Northeast side of the city before finding more permanent homes on the Northwest side at Arianna Street and then later Jennette Avenue. As a student, Nancy attended Harrison Park Elementary School and proudly graduated from Union High School in 1967.

Before graduation, Nancy began working in the alteration department at Wurzburg's Department Store, where she built the foundations of the strong work ethic that would serve her well for her entire life. She went on to find a longtime career with Butterworth Hospital in the laundry and central supply departments, where she worked for 47 years before retiring at age 65. As she grew up, Nancy achieved many important milestones in her life, such as learning to drive. Nancy remained at home with her parents until she purchased a condo in the Standale area at age 40.

Throughout her life, Nancy dedicated her free time to several hobbies. She liked working on puzzles, and she loved all kinds of arts and crafts, including painting and watercolors. Nancy also enjoyed Western movies and all types of music. Her retirement years were spent at Covenant Living of Great Lakes, which allowed her to enjoy her independence and several of the offered activities. Nancy continued to serve others tirelessly through her volunteer work with Bibles for Missions Thrift Store on Leonard Street NW, directly across the street from her church. Throughout her life, she developed several lasting friendships, and she would often meet up with her friends to embroider and attend Bible study. Nancy was also active in the Walker Senior Group that met in Standale. Nancy loved to travel, especially with her brother Jim. The two would go on bus trips around the Midwest, and a favorite vacation was visiting Hawaii with her mother. Many trips were commemorated with a special charm for her charm bracelet. Nancy was always careful to take care of herself by exercising, including water aerobics and walking. She liked having pet parakeets and named each one Jaime. However, family remained her most valuable treasure. Nancy attended family holidays, often playing card games or participating in crafts, and she loved playing with her niece and nephew and doted on them at every chance.

As family and friends can attest, Nancy Winters understood the secret to a life well lived. She had a quiet, caring spirit, and she was never too busy to help someone in need. Nancy had a positive outlook on life, even with her Alzheimer diagnosis in July of 2018. She truly loved people and could find the best in anyone. Nancy leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Nancy R. Winters age 71, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 28, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Frances Winters; brother, Don Winters; and brother-in-law, Don Nederveld. Nancy is survived by her brother, Jim Winters; sister, Jo Nederveld; nieces and nephews, Laurie Beth Nederveld, Greg Nederveld, Christina Roper, Lisa and Cory Sims and Eric Winters. The funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Visitation will be held for one hour prior and social distance and capacity limits will be in place. Contributions in her memory may be made to West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Nancy’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook.