Winnie Louise Milligan Foster of Heavener, Oklahoma was born on November 2, 1933, in Heavener, Oklahoma, welcomed as the 4th of 11 children born to William Delbert and Mandy Adeline Milligan. After a loving and spirited 87 years, she left this world on December 30, 2020, in Poteau, Oklahoma.
Since her youth, Winnie was outgoing and social. She never knew a stranger, and to know her was to understand unconditional love. Gifted with a special voice and passion for singing and piano, Winnie entertained invitations to pursue a career in opera, but ultimately chose to stay near her family. After graduating from Heavener High School in 1953, she had 4 daughters of her own: LouQuita, Melveda, Anita, and Waynell.
In addition to homemaking, Winnie actively worked in the family businesses of Foster Picture Company, the Foster family farm and Winnie’s Hitches, and worked in textiles for many years at Hamlin’s Manufacturing Company in Poteau.
Winnie married Joe Foster on January 12, 1962 in Stigler, Oklahoma. They enjoyed the outdoors by fishing, hunting, traveling, and camping; she was always glad to share the company of friends and family. Her home was always a social hub, and all recall her genuine love for others. She lived most of her life in the Heavener, Oklahoma area and spent her latter years in Coaldale, Arkansas. She attended Heavener Church of the Nazarene.
Winnie was preceded in death by: her parents; William “Buddy” and Earl Milligan (brothers); Ruby Stephens and Vera Waymier (sisters); Gene Henry (spouse); Joe Foster (spouse); and Waynell Joan Foster Yandell (daughter).
Winnie is survived by:
Brothers: Elmer Milligan; Donald (Edie) Milligan; Ray (Barbara) Milligan; and David (Mary) Milligan.
Sisters: Rose Kinsey and Joyce Judd.
Sister-in-law: Dee Milligan (surviving Buddy).
Daughters: LouQuita (Joe) Brown; Melveda (Loren) Harberson; and, Anita Henry (Mose Brown).
Grandchildren: Traci (Logan) Helton Dustin (Alisha) Henry; Shane (Katie) Henry; Curtis (Cassie) Henry; Chad (Silver) Blaylock; Marcus (Tiffany) Henry; Kimberly Yandell; Amber (Jeff) Goodin; Sarah (Tom) O’Keefe; Melissa (Blake) Allen; and, Matthew Carr.
Great-Grandchildren: (Traci) Lee Alan, Tara, Cynthia, and Bailey Walker; (Dustin) Tanesha, Justin, Kenlee, Hayden, and Eli Henry; (Shane) Cooper and Anna Kate Henry; (Curtis) Harley, Cheyenne, and Hannah Henry; (Chad) Kayla, Haley, and Jester Blaylock; (Marcus) Kaira Henry; (Amber) Kaydn, Ashlyn, and Peyton Goodin; (Kimberly) Ryla Yandell; (Sarah) Emily, Thomas, Patrick, and Haley O’Keefe; (Melissa) James Allen; and, (Matthew) Briana Carr.
Great-Great Grandchildren: Brett; Braden; Beau; Ualani; Ari; and Julius.
Winnie is also survived by a host of nieces and nephew whom she adored.
Service will be Monday, January 4, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, Oklahoma. Masks and social distancing will be required. Shane Henry will offer the Eulogy, Byron Milligan will officiate the service, and Larry Milligan will lead in worship.
Pallbearers will be: Loren Harberson; Dustin Henry; Curtis Henry; Shane Henry; Marcus Henry; Chad Blaylock; Matthew Carr; and Lee Alan Walker.
Viewing will be from Noon until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.
To sign Winnie’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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