Marlene Gruver Winger

Marlene Janell Gruver Winger, born December 9, 1937, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, just days before her 88th birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength that will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

Marlene was born to Guy and Alma Gruver and grew up on the Gruver Family Ranch, where she developed the resilience, kindness, and work ethic that defined her life. She graduated from Gruver High School, where her love of learning flourished and her passion for basketball first took root. She continued her education at Texas Technological College—now Texas Tech University—earning a Bachelor of Arts  in Education. Marlene poured her heart into teaching, blessing countless students during her years at Gruver Junior High.

On November 23, 1958, Marlene married the love of her life, Val Winger, beginning 67 beautiful years of marriage. Together they raised four children—Davin, Darin, Marva, and Manda—and built a home grounded in faith, loyalty, and unconditional love. Marlene embodied the very best qualities of a wife and mother, always putting the needs of her family before her own and finding joy in caring for those she loved most.

Marlene found joy in so many things—playing bridge, water-skiing, traveling with Val and their family, and cheering on the Red Raiders and the Gruver Greyhounds. Her closet, filled with red and black, was a proud testament to her devotion to her beloved alma maters. Each Christmas, her family cherished the moment she sat at the piano to play “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” filling the room with music as everyone sang along.

She and Val traveled to all 50 states, many of those adventures taken in their motorhomes. They passed their love of travel on to their children and later to their grandchildren, making memories that will be treasured for generations. Marlene was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family, loving them, encouraging them, and taking care of them in her gentle, steadfast way.

Known for her kind heart, Marlene lived by the motto, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Yet her sharp mind and quick wit often led to delightfully unexpected comments that made everyone around her laugh. She reminded her daughters often that “pretty is as pretty does,” a truth she embodied daily through her grace, humility, and warmth.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents—her father in 1956 and her mother in 1989—and by her son-in-law, Danny, in 2021. She is survived by her devoted husband, Val; their four children, Davin (Teague) Winger, Darin (Mandy) Winger, Marva Roselius, and Manda (Troy) Simmons. She is also lovingly survived by her grandchildren:  Ryan, Reid (fiance’ Ann E), Leigh Anne, Zachary (Jess), Natalie, Nolan, Megan (Gardiner), Mattie, Valerie (Benson), Mollie (Leah), Landrie (Cory), Ashley (Jesse), Megan, and Trent; and great-grandchildren:  Scott, Mason, Hadlie, Wade, Cooper, Kadence, and Daniel.

Marlene’s gentle spirit, unwavering love, and ever-present smile will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to kindness, family, and faith—and the beauty of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch,  Hi Plains Children’s Home, or your favorite charity.

Services will be Friday, December 12, at Gruver Church of Christ at 11:00 am with MIke Wilhelm officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.