Winona was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Alton Ray Massingill. Winona is survived by her brother, Ace Robertson, and wife, Dorothy, as well as her children, Julie Bassett and husband Gayle, Joanna Brown and husband Dave, and James Massingill and wife Kalen. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Linneya Hill (Adam), Miranda Rodriguez (Ben), Rebecca James (Tannar), Breanna Evoy (Jonathan), Tasha Garcia (Alex), Josie Rodriguez (Caleb), and Morgan Massingill, along with seven great-grandchildren.
Nona graduated from high school in Brownfield, Texas. After high school, she met Alton Ray Massingill while they were both employed at General Telephone and they married in 1964. She cared for Ray along with their three young children after he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor until his death in 1975. She moved to Fritch, Texas in 1979 to live closer to her mother and brothers.
She was well known for her friendliness by many of the Fritch residents during her 22-year career with the Fritch post office. Her coworkers loved her for her dedication and reaped the benefits of her love for baking desserts! Winona was a gracious hostess and many friend and family gatherings were enjoyed in her home through the years. It was well known when she came to a potluck, there would be plenty to eat!
Nona became “Grammy” at the birth of her first grandchild and that was her most treasured role. She never missed an opportunity to spoil her grandkids and always made them feel special. Trips to Grammy’s house were treasured. She left a legacy of love and witty sayings or “Grammyisms”. She also became known as “Grammy” to many others because of her caring and loving nature.
Although she experienced many hardships in her life, she kept a thankful spirit and consistently thought of others before herself. This included her children, who become her main priority after her relationship with God. She made sure they understood the importance of having their own relationship with God. She prayed diligently for her children, grandchildren, and friends. In later years, as her health declined and her body weakened, she remained spiritually strong and patiently endured until she could finish her race.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Griggs Schooler Gordon Funeral Directors Chapel of Memories, with burial to follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Fritch, Texas.
