Nancy Kay Winker

Nancy Kay Winker, 88, of Rockford, Ill., died Aug. 27, 2025, at the Wesley Willows Memory Care Center after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born Dec. 30, 1936, in Salem, Ill., the only child of Frank (Bill) and Marie (Rains) Blair. In 1941, her family moved to Belleville, Ill. She graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1954, balancing classes with afternoons working as a bookkeeper at the local bank. After graduation, she began her career as a service representative with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.

Nancy married David Winker in 1958. They lived in Kings, Ill., until 1965, when they moved to Rockford. She continued her career with Illinois Bell Telephone Co., later Ameritech, retiring in 1990 as a manager after more than 30 years of service. At a time when few women held management roles, she was known as a dedicated advocate for both customers and colleagues.

In retirement, she volunteered with the LifeScape network and was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. She and David also traveled widely with friends through the Northwest Bank Pinnacle Club. Nancy enjoyed reading, shopping—especially for her granddaughter—and had a lifelong sweet tooth for chocolates.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, David; her son, Jeffrey, and his wife, Heather, of Shawnee, Kan.; and granddaughter, Allison, also of Shawnee. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon, both at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, either online or by mail to P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.