BIG PINEY - The funeral for Big Piney resident Willene (Spitz) Whinnery, 62, was conducted Sept. 17, 2005, at First Baptist Church in Big Piney. Interment was in Plainview Cemetery.

She died Sept. 13, 2005, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Born Oct. 14, 1942, in Fort Sumner, N.M., she was the daughter of Syble and Willie Spitz; and graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1960.

On May 22, 1960, she married James "Jimmy" Thurman Whinnery.

The family moved to Durango, Colo., in 1967 and Big Piney in 1969.

She was a loving wife and mother and relished every moment with her family; and had cared for many children in the community over the years. A member of the First Baptist Church in Big Piney and Fort Sumner, she taught Sunday school at both churches; and was known for her beautiful, outgoing personality.

She loved to attend the sports activities of her sons, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren and had traveled all over Wyoming doing this. Her interests included horses, camping, and reading good books. She was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and George Strait.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years of Big Piney; two sons, James Thurman Whinnery Jr. of Pinedale and Randy Wayne Whinnery of Big Piney; and three beloved grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father; and an infant daughter, Dawna Laree Whinney, born July 28, 1961, and surviving for one day.