Winnie McLean

Winnie McLean of Moses Lake passed away suddenly at Hearthstone Retirement Inn on Nov. 3, 2011. Services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 8th at Kayser’s Chapel with burial at Mold Cemetery, Mold, Washington. Please sign the online guestbook at www.kayserschapelcom Arrangements were in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. Winnie was born on March 19, 1918 in Supplee, Washington to Alfred and Minnie Smart. On Oct. 5, 1938 she married Harold McLean, the love of her life, in Davenport, Washington. They made their home on the ranch north of Coulee City for the next 58 years. From this union, three children were born: William L. McLean, Bonita R. Welch, and John L. McLean. Winnie together with Mabel McLean and Babe Adams, baked cakes for special occasions and catered weddings for approximately 15 years. Cake Central was Winnie’s house. For the most part, a wedding cake for 100 people was a two day process. Most often Winnie would bake the cakes the day before they were to be decorated. They were elaborately decorated with hundreds of tiny silver beads with each bead put on with a pair of tweezers. Winnie and the other ladies made the wedding cakes for each of her children as well as the Adams and McLean children. They were truly an amazing trio. After Harold’s death in 1996, Winnie remained in her home on the ranch for the next 8 years. While still on the ranch, she remained very active in the St. Andrews Grange. Winnie, along with several other ladies, spent hours in the grange hall making lap robes for area nursing homes and quilts for the Ronald McDonald House. They also made a quilt each year for the raffle that was held at Christmas time. Winnie was an avid knitter and made many afghans for all of her family. After moving to the Hearthstone, she made several afghans that were used for raffles at the Hearthstone. She also made 20 to 25 stocking caps each year for the Head Start Program. At the time of her death, she had just completed enough caps for this years Head Start class. Winnie was a great homemaker, cook and a wonderful grandmother. Her cooking was legendary – she could put a meal on the table for several people on short notice. Many people still remember the great meals they had at her house. Winnie is survived by two sons, William McLean (Beverly), and John McLean (Shirley); one daughter, Bonita Welch (David); six grandchildren, Linda McLean, a granddaughter by marriage, Deanna Rice (Wayne), Bill Welch (Jennifer), Laurie Wilson (Tanner), Ted McLean (Hollee), and Ruth Walker (Seth); seven great grandchildren, Lee McLean, Cheyenne McLean, Kylie Welch, Teagan Welch, Elliott Welch, Megan Wilson and Brandon Wilson. Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Harold McLean, one grandson, Dean McLean, her parents, five sisters, Mary Asmussen, Neva Avenell, Hazel Snell, Edith Smith and Mildred Glessner, and one brother, Stanley Smart.

Winnie McLean

March 19, 1918 - November 3, 2011