Winona Lurene Gross

Pocatello - Winona L. Gross, 82, of Pocatello, and formerly of Weiser, Idaho passed away Sunday, June 14, 2009 at a local care center following an extended illness.

Winona was born on September 6, 1926, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Horace Edwin and Amy Robinson Williams. The family later moved to Weiser, Idaho. There she attended school and met her husband, Albert Clyde Gross, at the local roller rink. They were married Feb. 22, 1946 following his return from Army service.

Winona was a skilled bookkeeper and she served for several years as deputy county clerk in Washington County.

Throughout the years, Winona greatly enjoyed sporting events, boating and fishing with Alan's family, pinochle games, and cruises. In later years, she scheduled all appointments and activities around her bingo games. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was active in the Auxiliary of Weiser Memorial Hospital for many years. She rarely missed special activities of her grandchildren, and when grandson Jordan was drafted by the Carolina Panthers, she became their most loyal fan.

Winona's beautiful white hair, sharp wit, and unique humor endeared her to many.

Winona is survived by her brother, Gilbert (Elva) Williams of Tehachapi, California, daughter Amy (Boyd) Roberts of Pocatello, son Alan Gross of Caldwell, Idaho, daughter-in-law Jan Gross of Boise, Idaho, grandchildren Alan (Jill) Roberts, Layton, Utah, Jana (Jim) Harbaugh, Portland, Maine, Alisa (David) Orr, Shelley, Idaho, Wende (Dean) Leavitt, Pocatello, Idaho, Jeffrey (Crystal) Roberts, Farmington, Utah, Julia (Brian) Newman, McCall, Idaho, Jordan (Dana) Gross, Charlotte, North Carolina, and nineteen great-grandchildren who brightened her life.

Winona was preceded in death by her husband Clyde, parents, sisters Ardath, Clarice, and Beth, brothers Karl and LaMont, and sister-in-law Glenda Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in her memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 151 E 5600 S, Suite 210, Murray, UT 84107, or to Friends of the Hospital, 645 E. Fifth St., Weiser, ID 83672.

We are grateful for the loving care given Winona during the last years of her life. We especially thank Dr. Ogden and the fine staff at Pocatello Care and Rehab for the love and kindness they showered upon her. We also appreciate the Access Hospice staff.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday June 20, 2009 in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser, Idaho. The family will receive friends on Friday evening June 19, 2009 at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to services at the cemetery in Weiser. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel. Visit www.pocatellofuneral.com for online condolences.