Mary Winkenwerder Wickes

Mary Winkenwerder

Wickes

Asheville - Mary Winkenwerder Wickes, age 91 of Asheville passed away on October 7, 2017 at the Keever Solace Center. Mary was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on September 15, 1923, the only daughter of the late Gilbert and Lucille Winkenwerder.

Mary's early childhood was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin until the family moved to Waycross, Georgia where she attended high school. She enrolled at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, but moved to Asheville in 1943 when her parents became the owners of the Tour-O-Tel Court and Restaurant on Merrimon Avenue. The family later owned the Town-O-Tel Court, Mountaineer Court and one of the young people's favorite destinations Wink's Drive-In, featuring it's own radio tower for the youth of the day to request their favorite song.

After marrying, she raised her family in Des Moines, Iowa and later Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a member of the Scottsdale Country Club and enjoyed playing golf there for many years. Mary permanently returned to Asheville in 1980.

Like her older brothers, Jim Winkenwerder and Bill Winkenwerder, Mary was an avid and talented golfer. While in high school her brothers were invited to play in an important statewide golf tournament. Mary was not, as the tournament was intended only for young men. Mary noticed that the written materials said nothing about gender and insisted that she was going to compete. Only one other young lady stood her ground, the now legendary female golfer, Louise Suggs, thus beginning a lifelong friendship.

In 1984 Mary became the front desk attendant at The Biltmore Forest Golf and Country Club, a position she held until 2010, retiring at age 87. She loved watching the members children grow up, marry and return with their own families.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, as well as her sons, Jerry Wickes and Jim Wickes.

She is survived by her granddaughter Alexis Wickes, great grandchildren Cheyenne and Cody and great-great grandson Braxton all residing in Chetopa, Kansas. She is also survived by her niece Carole Anderson and husband Tim of Tampa, Florida, nephew Dr. William Winkenwerder and wife Pride of Mill Neck, New York, nephew John Winkenwerder and wife Cindy of Asheville and nephew Rick Winkenwerder and wife Maureen of Asheville.

To accommodate travel, a private family service is being planned.

The family would like to thank the caregivers that provided comfort to Mary during her brief illness. Memorials may be made to Care Partners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 or to Meals on Wheels 146 Victoria Road Asheville 28801.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family and the online memorial is available at grocefuneralhome.com.