Winifred Lucille Cather was born August 26, 1919 in University Place, NE and died July 22, 2011 in Lincoln, NE.  Winnie graduated from Jackson High in 1937 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she was honored as a May Day attendant.  She was admitted to Bryan School of Nursing but eloped instead, marrying Howard J. Cather in Council Bluffs on January 24, 1941.

Winnie worked in Miller & Paine’s millenary department and during World War II at Stop Nut. She volunteered extensively as an American Red Cross nurse at Veterans’ Hospital, Brownie Scout leader and Holmes PTA president.  A member of Longshot Investment Club and 100 Club, she was a State Fair award winning quilter and rug maker.  Winnie loved reading into the night and living in the country with her horses, dogs and cats.

She was preceded in death by Howard, husband of 65 years; parents Bernard and Sarah Japs and four siblings and survived by great granddaughter Chloe Lucille Herron, great grandson Cael Thomas Herron, granddaughter Gretchen A. Herron and husband S. Brent Herron, grandson Adam T. Petsch and wife Priscilla L. Petsch, daughter and son-in-law Cathie and Tom Petsch, son Jay Bernard Cather and brother Bernard C. Japs.

“Pooh,” as she was called by her grandchildren, was a generous donor to many local causes and community organizations.   Memorials may be given to Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 South 27^th Lincoln, NE 68502 or Nebraska Wesleyan University, 5000 Saint Paul Ave. Lincoln, NE 68504.

A family service and burial was held at Wyuka Cemetery.