Winona was the third child born to Harry L. Nock and Ruby M. Nock. She had one brother (John), and two sisters (Veldora and Clydie), all of whom preceded her in death. She was born and raised in Cascade, Idaho and spent most of her adult life there. She later moved to Boise for the remainder of her life.
As a child, Winona was very independent. Often the family would come home and find that she had packed her saddlebags and ridden her horse to the mountains, relishing the time of beauty and solitude the outdoors had to offer. There was no thought of danger as she knew she could handle anything!
After graduating high school, she married George Blackburn, and they began their family. Winona had 3 children, Randy, Rocky, and Kamee. She loved being a mother and wife and often said that was all she ever wanted to be. As it turned, out she divorced and began her journey as a waitress at the Chief Café. Winona was one of the best waitresses any of us have ever known. Not only was she efficient, but if any of her customers tried to give her sass, she was quick-witted and always had a response. Everyone knew Winona!
While working at the Chief Café, Winona met Pat Patrick. Pat was working for a construction company and came to the Chief to eat lunch; little did he know what he was in for. Winona said, “The minute I saw him I said that is the man I am going to marry!” And she did. They were married over 50 years.
Winona loved creating beauty. Whether it was painting and wall papering our houses, sewing clothes, crocheting doilies and table clothes, knitting Afghans, making quilts, or gardening, she was creating. We all marveled every year at Christmas when kids and grandkids would receive their homemade pajamas. At last count she was making 32 pairs! She always said she worked like she was “killing snakes!”
Winona also canned countless jars of pickles, pears, peaches, and sauerkraut. We never went hungry and neither did anyone who stopped by. She was generous and never wanted anyone to go without. Whether food, bicycles, crocheted vests, cakes for the cake walk, or an extra kid going to the Snake River Stampede, Winona made it happen.
Our home was always open to any kid that needed a home or a haircut. There was always a standing invitation to various neighbor boys to stop by and have a piece of homemade chocolate cake and a glass of milk. “Just put your dishes in the sink!”
After moving to Boise her yard became her focus. She had over 40 rose bushes that lined the property and many who passed by would ask if they could cut some. She of course had the clippers ready. When all was said and done, she would sit on her porch swing and enjoy the beauty she had created.
Winona is survived by her two sons, Randy (ReJeana) Blackburn, Rocky (Marlene) Blackburn, and her daughter Kamee Bissell as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Winona always believed everything happened for a reason. She refused to live her life considering the “what-ifs”, she knew who her Savior was and longed to be with him. She is in the loving arms of Jesus!
Her family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of Overland Court Senior Living and to the staff of Keystone Hospice for their compassionate and loving care of our mom.
A remembrance will be held this summer in Winona’s hometown of Cascade, Idaho.