Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM

‍Mary Wallace Winkler passed away on December 20, 2025. She was born on December 3, 1941 a few days before the date that will live in infamy. During WWII her family moved from Sherman, TX to Douglas, AZ after purchasing the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Southeastern Arizona. Mary graduated from Douglas High School in 1959.

‍As one of the few women who owned and operated a cattle ranch in both the San Simon and Animas Valleys. Mary understood the important role that pastoral cattle ranching played in conservation of the open spaces she loved. She was a prominent board member of the Malpai Borderlands Group, where ranchers and community members work together to preserve the ranching way of life and the natural landscape of the area.

‍Mary was the former owner of the Portal Store and Cafe, a member of Chapter BJ, P.E.O. in Douglas. She was also a part of the Sew What? Group, a founding member of the Chiricahua Art Gallery and a past president of the Chiricahua Peloncillo Historical Society.

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‍Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ayleen Baker Wallace and Floyd Wallace and her sister Bonnie Wallace Catanzaro. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Richard A. Winkler, children Julie Winkler Martinez (David) and Richard W. Winkler (Tamara), grandchildren Sean and Cameron Martinez and Zachary and Parker Winker, nieces Michelle Simpler and Hailee Cruz, nephew Michael Simpler. There will be a private family memorial at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Malpai Borderlands Group, https://www.malpai.org or the P.E.O. Project for Continuing Education www.peointernational.org/education-support/program-for-continuing-education/.

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