M. Winston (Jones) Lata, 86 passed away from natural causes at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS June 18, 2016 surrounded by her family. A memorial service will be 9:00AM, Saturday, June 25 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont Street, Lawrence.
Winston was born May 6, 1930 in Gadsden, Alabama, the only child of James B and Kathleen A (Lockard) Jones. Winston attended University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. She transferred and was the 5th generation of her family to graduate from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. She received her Master Degree in Fine Arts from Alfred University School of Arts and Design in Alfred NY.
Winston’s family roots extend to earliest settlers of Virginia. Her ancestors served as officers in the Revolutionary Army as well as on both sides during the Civil War. Notables include Maj. Peter Winston Jones, operator of a trading post in 1675 called Peters Point which grew into Petersburg VA. and John Winston Jones, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives 1843-45.
Winston taught art classes at Tulane University and at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. In 1955 she took a job with Special Services, uniformed civilian personnel in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Sill Oklahoma where she met her future husband, 2nd Lt. Alfred Lata.
Alfred and Winston were married in Williamsburg, VA on June 15, 1957. They moved to Cleveland where Winston became a full time homemaker. In 1965 Alfred took a position at the University of Kansas and they settled in Lawrence.
Winston was member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She was a compassionate, quiet and introspective woman, as beautiful inside as out. She was loved by all who knew her. She enjoyed her pets and loved to read. She practiced her many artistic talents throughout her life. One of her works, “Uncle Sam Hawk”, remains on display at the Lawrence Turnpike rest area to greet travelers since 2003.
Winston is preceded in death by Alfred and their daughter Elizabeth Leftwich Lata.
She is survived by a son, John Lata of Tallahassee, FL.; a daughter, Jamie Darlington Lata and her spouse Dale Worley of Lawrence, KS; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Too many cometimpnls too little space, thanks!
Jamie and Family,
My condolences for your loss and prayers for you. Winston was a wonderful person.
Jamie and family,
Your mom was very special to me. She brightened my day each and every time we met at my office. So sorry for your loss.
Jamie. I remember being introduced to your mom and her art skills when you and Betsy we Jr High/Sr High friends of our Jodi and Scott.
Sending condolences and prayerful support during these days from our home in the Phoenix Az area. Blessings
It’s so hard when your mother dies.She was and always she will be Mom.I pray that you find some peace.My prayers with you all
What an incredibly full life she lived! My condolences, Jamie and family, on your loss. I will keep you in my prayers
Jamie & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Winston was a special lady and I enjoyed getting to know her a little bit.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Winston was a wonderful person.