Alva Dee Winters was born May 28, 1926 in Webster, Kansas to George and Rose (Folsom) Winters. He passed away peacefully at home October 30, 2025, having lived a full 99 years.
After attending school in Webster, Alva began his career as a professional horse jockey. In the big circuit, he traveled across the country racing thoroughbreds in large events like the Preakness and Kentucky Derby for Bing Crosby. He was called away from that adventure when he was drafted into the Navy during WWII, where he was witness to the atomic testing at the Bikini Atoll onboard the USS Palmyra. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he came home to Stockton where he met his beloved wife, Edrie (Marshall) Winters. They were happily married for 54 years until her death in 2004.
Alva’s life was defined by dedication to family, a strong spirit, and a marvelous wit. A consummate storyteller, Alva will be remembered for always being ready with a great story or a good joke to lighten the mood. His stories were his legacy, weaving together the history of his life and those of his forefathers with the wisdom he had gathered along the way.
Alva was preceded in death by his wife, Edrie; parents, George and Rose; stepfather Victor Brown; siblings Georgia Buttermore, Viola Paulson, Ivan Winters, Jule Winters, Billy Winters and an infant sister; his children Patricia Spradlin and Alva Dee Winters II and granddaughter Debbie Spradlin. He is survived by son Cid (Judy) Weishapl, of Denver, Colorado, daughter Barbara (Marvin) Sterling, of Hill City, and son Ralph Winters of LaCrosse; and Lenny (Dianne) Winters of Imperial, Nebraska; along with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Alva, you will be so very missed, but we take solace in knowing that you are now with our Lord and Savior, and dancing to a lively swing tune with Edrie.
Visitation for Alva will be held at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm with family present. Funeral Service is Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 11:00 am., at Stinemetz Funeral Home. A Memorial Fund is designated to Webster Lake in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home.