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Marian J. “Toto” VanWinkle, of Alamogordo, NM, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by the love of her family. She was welcomed into Heaven and reunited with the love of her life, Pete, and oldest daughter, Cindy Kay.
Marian was born September 5, 1941, to AC and Margaret Miller in Carlsbad, NM. She attended school in Weed where she graduated in 1959. She met the love of her life, Pete, on October 5, 1957, at Hillbilly Heaven and as Toto always said, “the rest was history”. They married on June 20, 1959, in Loving, NM. They started their life here in Alamogordo, NM, living in both Albuquerque and Ruidoso some time, making the full circle back to Alamogordo again in 2007. During that time, they had three children, Cindy, Craig and Kimberly.
Marian worked side by side with Pete when he was a plumbing and heating contractor while they lived in Ruidoso, NM where they later retired in 2000. She was always up for a good hunting or fishing trip, and let’s be honest, she did both better than most of us. Marian found her greatest joy in being a homemaker. She lovingly devoted her life to caring for her children, creating a home filled with warmth, faith, and unconditional love. As the years passed, nothing brought her more happiness than watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow, celebrating each of their milestones and cherishing every moment spent together. She was a gifted seamstress whose hands could create beautiful things, but her favorite place was always the kitchen. Whether she was preparing a family meal, baking something sweet, or preserving their own harvest through canning, Marian expressed her love through the food she made. Her kitchen was the heart of her home-a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and countless treasured memories were made.
Marian is survived by her two children, Craig (Sherry) and Kimberly; her best friend, Cecilia Price; her five grandsons, Raif (Shana), Cory (Jaclyn), Chance (Brandi), Tyler (Ashley), and Jayton. She was blessed with 6 great grandchildren, Warrick, Shaeleigh, Hayden, Arya, Claira, and Dixie; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, AC and Margaret Miller; her husband, Willam A. “Pete” VanWinkle; her oldest daughter, Cindy Kay Nowell; her two sisters and brother, Jeanie, Jody and Jim.
The love Pete and Marian shared throughout their 63 years of marriage was an inspiration to everyone who knew them. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and unwavering devotion to one another. They often reminded those around them, “Don’t grieve for what you don’t have; be thankful for what you have been given.” Their example of love, gratitude, and commitment will inspire and live on through the family they cherished most.
A memorial service will be held on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Alamogordo Funeral Home in Alamogordo, NM with Bob VanWinkle officiating. A small reception will take place following the service at Scenic Chapel in Alamogordo, NM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to your favorite charity.
