December 18, 1968 – July 9, 2022
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to announce that Tracy passed away at home in Armstrong on the evening of July 9, 2022. Tracy was surrounded by loved ones including her sons, partner, friends, and dog Genie in her final moments where she remained tenacious, strong, and perseverant.
Born December 18, 1968 Tracy was the first child of Ernie and Wendy and the older sister of Trent. They lived and worked at the family’s dairy farm, Black Forest Farms, in Deep Creek where Tracy would ride around on her dirt bike. Perhaps due to the proximity of the farm to nearby Gardom Lake Tracy spent much of her free time there and developed an attachment to the lake. Tracy attended Ranchero Elementary and in 1986 graduated from Salmon Arm Secondary.
In her life Tracy worked on the family farm, at K-Mart, then became a hair stylist. She went on to graduate from Okanagan College in 2000 and worked as a Medical Office Assistant at clinics in Sorrento and Vernon. She also worked for Kindale as an Administrative Office Assistant.
Tracy’s love for gardening was thanks in part to her cherished relationship with her Grandma Ella. Tracy loved anything with an owl on it, singing the country music hits from artists such as Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline on karaoke nights, and riding her Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob. She kept her home styled to her liking and was proud of the effort that she put into it. Tracy loved her many wonderful friends and their priceless memories. Tracy had two sons through her first marriage to Ken Ringland. As a single mother she did her best and we are thankful for her.
Survived by her sons, Devin Ringland (& Daniel Hernandez) and Jared Ringland, father Ernie Winterhalder, brother Trent Winterhalder (& Emma and her sons, Lincoln and Noah Moran), partner Jeff Murphy, her beloved dog Genie, and many friends.
Predeceased by her mother, Wendy Winterhalder (Reading), Grandparents Ernest & Ella Winterhalder (Barz), Arnold Reading and Margaret (& Frank Munro) (Moonen).
Tracy never gave up in her life and especially in her eleven years battling breast cancer. Tracy’s spirit will live on in our hearts and memories. Tracy asked for her ashes to be spread immediately at Gardom Lake where she will be at peace flying alongside the dragonflies.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tracy Lynn Winterhalder July 9th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique