May 21, 2022 Vernita Marcene Winikka was reunited with her husband Robert and our Lord Jesus. Vernita was born on September 8, 1931 in Gibson City, Illinois. She moved with her family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1953 and finished her Masters in education at Arizona State College. In 1956, she married the love of her life Robert and together they had five children: Kurt, Janis, Dan, Beth, and Chris.
Vernita lived her faith. She had an inexhaustible love for everyone she ever met–she loved you, she cared about you and she prayed for you. No matter who you were, you were invited to her home and to her table.
Music encompassed her life. As an oboist and English horn player, she was a member of the Phoenix Symphony. She was also a lifelong church choir member. She loved Broadway shows, ballets and operas, and classical music filled her home.
Vernita traveled around the world and made friends everywhere she went.
Vernita was predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert P. Winikka. Vernita is survived by her 5 children and her 9 grandchildren: Anja, Kai, Elisah, Laura, Brian, Nicholas, Simon, Colby, and Annie. She had two great-grandchildren, Ada and Matilda.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Valley Presbyterian Church of Paradise Valley, AZ. Donations in memory of Vernita can be made to Circle the City, Food for the Hungry, and International Justice Mission.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Winikka family.