Alys Welch Winterholler

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(Feb. 28, 1927 - March 30, 2014)

Alys Welch Winterholler died on March 30, 2014, in Billings. She was 87.

Alys was born on Feb. 28, 1927, to C. Golden Welch and Ora M. Welch.

In 1945 Alys met a handsome returning WWII Navy veteran, Bert Winterholler, who she almost immediately correctly identified as the love of her life, lifetime companion and future father of her children. Demonstrating the clarity of focus and stubborn resolve which characterized her entire life, she made certain he did not get away.  

Alys and Bert were married on May 17, 1946, commencing their lifetime journey together. The marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Alys made the best decision of her life when she agreed to marry Bert, or somehow convinced Bert they should marry.

During her life Alys had many avocations, pursuits and enterprises. She was at different times during her life a dance teacher, a lifeguard, a beautician/hairdresser, an operator/manager of a restaurant, (along with her husband Bert), and, with Bert and son Chris, the owner and operator of a catering business. Each of these endeavors she approached with enthusiasm, effort and a joy in being able to contribute to her family and her community.

Above all else in her life Alys loved and was devoted to her family, her faith and music. She sacrificed a great deal in her life to be certain her children were well educated, well taken care of and were given a foundation of values which enabled them to succeed as they grew into adults and beyond.  

Alys was devoted to her faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, maintaining a steadfast belief her entire life.

Music was, and remained to the end of her life, Alys’ pleasure and joy. In her entire life Alys received solace and comfort from the music she loved singing, hearing and experiencing.

Alys was a courageous and deeply caring woman, always empathizing with the suffering and misfortune which life can deal to others. She was a forgiving woman, knowing how humans can and do make mistakes which lead to pain. She gave to those stricken with misfortune and those in grief comfort and reassurance whenever possible.

Alys was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Winterholler, who died on Nov. 18, 1994.

She is survived by her sisters, Ilene Welch Harvey and Louise Welch Croft, as well as her brother John C. Welch. Alys also leaves behind her children, Kent Winterholler, Bert Winterholler, Kathy White, Margaret Bennion, Elizabeth Petty, John Winterholler and Chris Winterholler, along with their spouses, her 25 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Alys’ life — not a funeral service, as Alys did not wish there to be funeral services when she died — will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lovell. Burial will be in the Lovell Cemetery.

The family requests that you remember Alys as they do, a loving, kind, driven, caring and giving woman.

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