Marilyn Sue "Susie" Van Winkle

Marilyn Sue "Susie" Van Winkle passed away on January 30, 2026, She was 52.

Susie was born on November 23, 1973 in Brady, Texas. She was the cherished daughter of Robert F. "Scooter" and Frances Barlow. She was known affectionately as "Susie" by all who loved her, a name that perfectly reflected her gentle spirit and warm heart.

A longtime resident of Sinton, Texas, Susie devoted her life to her family, her faith and her calling as an educator in the public school system. She graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1992, and also attended schools within the Odem-Edroy ISD. Susie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi in the fall of 2011. She taught Special Education in Odem, Poth, Kenedy, Keller, Center Point and Woodsboro. Susie took great pride in teaching and touched countless lives through her kindness, patience and dedication.

Susie was an animal lover, participating in FFA as a student raising capons and rabbits. She had many pets over her lifetime including dogs, horses, and her favorite animals- cats.

Susie enjoyed Christian contemporary and country music, especially by George Strait. She also loved watching movies with her family. Susie was a Golden Girls superfan, frequently quoting lines from the show and often laughing before jokes finished when watching the show.

Susie and her beloved husband raised their precious children in Sinton, creating a home filled with love, laughter and grace. Though humble in nature, Susie was extraordinary in the ways that mattered most. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter and sister, and a loyal friend to many. With impeccable taste and a creative eye, she had a gift for making everything she touched special and more beautiful. Her radiant smile and gentle presence brought sunshine into every day, and her kindness left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.

Susie is preceded in death by her brothers, Jimmy and Glenn.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Damian "Rip" Van Winkle; her beloved son, Bryant Van Winkle; and her precious daughter, Deedra Van Winkle, all from Sinton, Texas; her parents, Scooter and Frances Barlow from Odem, Texas; her sister, Misty Lindsey from Eastland, Texas; her in-laws, David and Irene Van Winkle from Kerrville, Texas; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, Texas, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will take place Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Sinton Cemetery.

A guestbook is available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home of Sinton.