A Rosary was held Monday, July 6, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gridley for Winchel D. Jeffers, 88, of Gridley, California. He passed away Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital, of natural causes.
Winchel was born February 13, 1921 in Turon, Kansas. He was a life long resident of Gridley (Manzanita). He attended grade school at Manzanita School and graduated from Gridley High School, Class of 1939. He farmed locally his entire life. He served in the United States Air Corp during WWII and was stationed in Foggia, Italy, having flown 27 missions in a B-17, serving as Radio Controller. He served on the Manzanita School Board. He was a member of the Gridley Lions Club, the Gridley Moose Lodge and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Winchel enjoyed hunting, fishing and being with family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elenore Jeffers and 1 brother, Austin Jeffers.
He is survived by 4 sons: Kevin Jeffers & wife Susan, of Gridley, CA, Thomas Jeffers of Chico, CA, Gary Jeffers of Gridley, CA and Pat Jeffers of Gridley, CA; 2 daughters: Ann Bozzo & husband Dan, of Gridley, CA and Kathy Wheeler & husband Charlie, of Gridley, CA. He is also survived by 3 sister in-laws: Carmelita Adams of Gridley, CA, Jean Edson of Davis, CA, and Violet Edson of Woodland, CA; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Father Miguel Silva of Sacred Heart Catholic Church officiated at the services.
Interment was held at Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.
Contributions to Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital or Sacred Heart Food Closet are suggested by the family.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.
