Shirley "Lee" Winkler

Shirley “Lee” Ann Current Winkler, of Burnet, went to her heavenly home with Jesus on July 21, 2026. She was born July 12, 1934 in Elgin, Illinois as the youngest child and only daughter of Clifford and Catherine (Reardon) Current. The family moved to Iowa in 1936 and to St. Paul, Minnesota after the start of World War II. Her parents worked in an ammunition factory during the war. As a child, Lee tried to keep up with her three older brothers and their daring adventures. She enjoyed the Minnesota winter season with outdoor ice skating and making snowmen and igloos. Lee graduated from Washington High School in St. Paul in 1952. That summer, she moved to Houston to live near her brother Jim and his family. Lee enrolled in the University of Houston that fall, working full-time as a Secretary in the day, and attending classes in the evening. She graduated with a BA in English in 1957.

In 1955, Lee met fellow UH student, Ellis Winkler, whom she married July 4, 1957 in Houston. After Ellis’ graduation the next year, the couple moved to Wichita, Kansas where Ellis worked for The Boeing Company as a technician in the B-52 program. Lee also worked at Boeing as a Secretary for a few months prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother. In 1960, the growing family moved to San Antonio, and at the end of 1967, they moved to Houston. A few years later, Lee became a part-time teacher at Incarnate Word Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school. After teaching an English class and a Business class for two years, Lee turned her love for books into a new career. She attended Sam Houston State University two days per week for three years. While attending SHSU, she carpooled with other ladies in the Library Science program who also lived in the Houston area, developing life-long friendships. In 1977, Lee graduated with a MS in Library Science and her School Librarian certification.

Lee worked as a School Librarian in the Katy ISD schools for many years, taking breaks in school employment to become the owner of Texas Brags, a supplier of Texas souvenirs to many retailers in Texas, and later a Real Estate Agent in the Houston area. In 1997, Lee and Ellis relocated to Burnet. During their first year in the community, she worked one more year as a School Librarian, this time in Austin ISD.

After retirement, Lee served as the first Executive Director of Literacy Highland Lakes, organizing ESL and Citizenship classes and the annual Rubber Ducky Race fundraiser. She served as founding President of the Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, as well as the Chapter’s Newsletter Editor for many years. For over 20 years, Lee was an active volunteer for the Eagle Wings Retreat Center, just west of town, including serving two terms as President of the Board.

Lee had a life-long love of “Little House” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and the “Sound of Music” movie since its release in 1966. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, flower gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Cliff Current and wife Marilyn, Robert (Bob) Current and wife Mary, James (Jim) Current and wife Betty; grandson Gene Frazier, and great-grandson Damien Percy. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ellis Winkler, daughters Terry Frazier and husband Glenn, Sandra Estes and husband David, and Wanda Eanes; grandchildren Melissa Percy and husband Aaron, Patrick Estes and wife Sarah, Gary Frazier and wife Marie-Pier, Carolyn Carlile and husband Trent, Eric Estes and wife Laura, Michelle Devereaux, Emily Cruz and husband Nestor, and Grant Frazier; great-grandchildren Landon, Kinzley and Penelope Devereaux; Marley and Rachel Carlile; Julie, Olivia and Layla Estes; Eleanor, Gordon and Clara Frazier; Ava and Cody Cruz.

Memorial Donations can be made to Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center, PO Box 248, Burnet, TX 78611.

Visitation will be held at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 East Polk Street, Burnet, TX , on July 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Rosary Service will begin at 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Our Mother Of Sorrows Catholic Church, 507 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611, US, on July 27, 2026, at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park