Alice Winn

Alice (Mahaffey) Winn, 76, of St. Anne, IL, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Gilman, IL. She was born November 26, 1949, in Gary, IN, the daughter of Arthur Ernest and Nellie (Harpster) Mahaffey. The youngest in a family of nine children, Alice grew to be a mother of three. On July 16, 1977, she married Ray Gene Winn Sr., and together they shared 48 years. A woman of Christian faith, Alice was also a member of the American Legion. She enjoyed caring for her family and was a good neighbor who was always ready to offer help with tasks or provide a warm meal. She especially cherished holiday gatherings and sharing food with loved ones. Alice was a familiar face at local diners, where business owners and staff knew her well as a frequent customer. A talented crafter, she designed handmade keepsakes and collectibles, including ornaments, hair accessories, pins, wreaths, and more. She delighted in carrying samples of her creations with her to the diners, where friends and staff always looked forward to seeing what she had made next. Alice prided herself on her fishing skills and was told more than once, in jest, that she caught fish “bigger than her.” She and her husband loved traveling and camping in their RV trailer, hiking in nature, and making many “camping friends” along the way. Birdwatching was one of her favorite pastimes; she particularly loved hummingbirds and watched them for hours at the many feeders near her backyard swing. Alice also cultivated a large garden and took great pride in canning and eating her fresh vegetables. An avid NASCAR fan, she collected memorabilia for drivers Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. She fondly remembered a fan experience where she rode in an official NASCAR stock car at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Once, she even met Dale Earnhardt’s mother by showing up at her house unannounced, which led to a very pleasant conversation. Live music was always a joy for Alice, and she loved to dance. She was a huge fan of Elvis and often attended Elvis impersonator events. Alice also enjoyed doing puzzles and rarely said no to a game of bingo. Well known by family, friends, and coworkers as a jokester, she loved laughter, dressing up in funny costumes, and telling stories of her fondest memories. She is survived by her husband, Ray Gene Winn Sr.; her three children: Crystal Gayle Winn of Watseka, IL, Juanita “Anita” Marie Ritter of Tulsa, OK, and Ray G. (Trisha) Winn Jr. of Kankakee, IL; her siblings: Donna Sharp, Findley Mahaffey, and Robert Mahaffey; her sister-in-law, Joyce Best; eight grandchildren: Austin Huntington, Axel Winn, Devan Ritter, Dylan Ritter, Ethan Harris, Kyler Winn, Shawna Galutza, and Shea Lynn Thomas; and six great-grandchildren. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Nellie Mahaffey; five siblings: Arthur Mahaffey, Doris Shultz, Emma Poor, Florence Hayes, and Raymond Mahaffey; and three brothers-in-law: Charles Winn, Gary Winn, and Ricky Winn. She will be remembered fondly by her family and friends for her infectious humor and laughter, her strong-willed spirit, and her deep dedication to her husband. Her creativity will leave a lasting mark on the community through the beautiful handmade crafts she shared with so many. Visitation will be held at Jensen Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Jack McCormick officiating. In lieu of flowers, please help people diagnosed with kidney issues by donating to the Renal Support Network (RSN) at the following site: https://www.rsnhope.org/donate/

Alice Winn

November 26, 1949 - February 16, 2026