Rosalie Emma Janicek Winfrey

Rosalie Emma Winfrey, 88, died in her home Thursday, April 22. She was born Rosalie Emma Janicek on August 5, 1921 in the small Czech farm community of Marak, Texas. She lived on the family farm in Marak with her parents Mary and Julius Janicek, four younger brothers, and her aunt, Clara Marak. Her family spoke only Czech in the home and she learned English in grade school. She attended a one-room school house at Sts. Cyril and Methodius parish school and in 1938 graduated from Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas. Following graduation she moved to Austin, Texas to attend business school, after which she worked as a member of the Civilian Corp at Berkstrom AFB in Austin, Texas during WW II. It was there that she met her future husband Weldon Bailey Winfrey who served as an Army Air Corp Sergeant. Nine months into their relationship, Weldon was re-located to the west coast. With the backdrop of an uncertain outcome in WW II, the couple decided to wed. They were married on July 24, 1944 at March AFB in Riverside, CA. Their first child was born on the original VJ day. Soon after that, the couple re-entered civilian life. Weldon worked for over 40 years in the pipeline industry until his death in July 1991. His work, particularly in the early years, required frequent moves, long days, and seven-day work weeks. Throughout it all, she was the wind beneath his wings and worked tirelessly to nurture and sustain their growing family in countless untold ways. Rosalie held high ethical standards, valued the importance of hard work and education, and was an advocate for the poor and downtrodden. Into her eighties she was an active volunteer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s thrift store. We will always remember her pride in being both Texan and Czech, her tenacity, quiet faith, fierce independence, and legendary thriftiness, but mostly we remember her devotion to family as mother and grandmother, our Granny.

She was preceded in death by her husband Weldon Winfrey and brothers Al and Gordon Janicek. She is survived by brothers, Gene Janicek and wife Erleen of Smiley, TX and Ray Janicek of Gonzales, TX; children Ron Winfrey and wife Margo of Frederick, MD, Jay Winfrey of Norman, Dennis Winfrey and wife Deborah of Norman, Jeanette Jahnke and husband Karl of Norman, Elaine Winfrey and husband Tim Baker of San Diego, CA; eleven grandchildren, Bryan Winfrey, Nicole Nodine and husband Seth, Ben Winfrey and wife Jessica, Beau Winfrey, Brandon Winfrey, Barrett Winfrey, Caroline Winfrey, Emma Jahnke, Kara Jahnke, Anna Baker and Kyril Baker; three great grandchildren, Caden, Braylen, and Addison Nodine, and one great-grandchild yet to be born, Jillian Coleen Winfrey.

We want to pay special thanks to Susan, Cindy, and Mary of Lifecare Hospice for their loving care given to our mother and our family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School, 2801 South Shartel Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 or the American Cancer Society.