Holly Grace Winger

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Holly Grace Winger

of Eureka Springs, AR

September 26, 1954 - February 20, 2022

Holly Grace Winger, born September 26, 1954, age 67, journeyed into the cosmos on February 20, 2022. Holly was the recent widow of the late Robert O. Engle of Eureka Springs, Arkansas who served with U.S. Army Special Forces, Green Berets, during the Vietnam War.

Holly was an environmental activist, a non-profit worker in sustainable agriculture, a soccer mom and boy scout mom, an accomplished writer and editor by profession, an electrician by trade. She won first place in her high school Art Show.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, she earned a Master's Degree at the Center for Biology of Natural Systems at Washington University in St. Louis, working with Barry Commoner on biofuel crops and farm alcohols. She was among the first interns with Wes and Dana Jackson at The Land Institute in Salinas, Kansas. She was among the first ag specialists at the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Poteau, OK. She worked at the National Center for Appropriate Technology/ATTRA in Fayetteville, Arkansas and published "Sustainable Agriculture Concepts and Farm Applications."

For many years, Holly assisted Harold McCoy, the expert dowser and distance healer in Fayetteville, by editing his book "Power of Focused Mind Healing" and the Journal of the Ozark Research Institute. She compiled research on the dangers of fluoridation of drinking water in Eureka Springs, AR, spoke at public meetings, and placed her fluoridation research papers in the Public Library.

Holly had an affinity for stray animals and shelter pets. The Eureka Springs trolley regularly stopped to see two enormous Grate Danes who sat on her front porch.

Holly is survived by her son Luke Winger Diver of Eureka Springs, her Virginia clan including her mother Lista Winger-Eger; brother David Winger and wife Rita; nephews Greg Winger and wife Brittany and Chris Winger and wife Stacey (in Florida); sister Heather Galligan and husband Lee; and nieces Hannah and Sarah Galligan.

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15 Condolence(s)
David J Brazda
Redding, CT
Liked
Wednesday, June 1, 2022

I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Holly in high school and she was truly a bright light. She clearly left a profound mark on our environment and our social consciences.

Susan Post Smith
New Bern, NC
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

I wasn't at all surprised to read the long list of Holly's outstanding accomplishments in the obit. From my earliest recollections as a kid, I remember Holly as an outspoken, highly principled friend and neighbor. You made your mark on this Earth for the better, Ms. Winger, and may be gone but definitely not forgotten.

Nancy Sparks Cresswell
Washougal, WA
Liked
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

I remember her smile and am in awe of her accomplishments!

Gary S. Jones
Pinellas Park, FL
Liked
Monday, May 16, 2022

I loved Holly deeply and thought of her often. She was always so sweet and kind to everyone she met. The good Lord holds a special place in His heart for spirits as wonderful as Holly's. Godspeed, Holly. I pray for the continued blessings of your family and your many friends.

Cynthia Shepherd
Fountain Hills, AZ
Liked
Thursday, May 12, 2022

I am so very sad. I was looking forward to seeing her at the 50th. My mother in law lives in Red Bud, Ark.. Holly was always so creative and loved our Earth. She will be missed.

💜🙏🏻Cynthia Shepherd (Carneal)

Mariko Yano Chouinard
Topanga, CA
Liked
Wednesday, May 11, 2022

I was so saddened to hear the news of Holly’s passing. She touched all of us at Woodson with her inner grace and spirit. She is remembered with much affection. My heartfelt condolences and love to her family. ❤️

Sylvia Poore
Brooklyn Park, MD
Liked
Tuesday, May 10, 2022

I remember Holly as a down to earth, fun loving and beautiful kind person. Condolences to her family, and loved ones.

Leslie Neiss
Oakton, VA
Liked
Monday, May 9, 2022

We are saddened to hear of Holly’s passing. As her former high school classmates at W.T. Woodson High School, in Fairfax VA, we have many good memories of Holly. We were hoping to see her at our 50th reunion in June and were trying to locate her when we came across this sad news. Our hearts go out to her family and friends for this deep loss.

Jeanne Strunk
Farmville, VA
Liked
Monday, May 9, 2022

I came across Holly’s obituary while trying to locate her for our 50th High School Reunion. The W.T.Woodson Class of 1972, remembers Holly well and with great affection. She was well loved by her classmates and will be sorely missed at our reunion next month. Our sympathy and prayers go out to her family and community, the world is missing another great one!

LuAnn Baker
BENTON, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 6, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Luke, who I knew as a Lyon College student. I spent time with your mom while you underwent appendix surgery. She was a fierce advocate for you, and her many interests. What a free spirit she was. I know you will miss her. Her love for you will always be all around you. LuAnn Baker

Barbara Kellogg
Eureka Springs, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 5, 2022

Oh Holly! I'm so saddened and sorry! You've been such a good friend over the years, even though we seem to have lost touch lately...you helped David and I so much with Enchanted Cottages and, your advice and consultations on health issues were invaluable! I always leaned something new and helpful from you! Your genius will always be remembered and appreciated by me...I will sure miss our random meetings and conversations over the years! My heart goes out to you, Luke...I know how proud of you and how much you were loved and adored by your Mom!!!

Margo Failing
Eureka Springs, AR
Liked
Friday, March 4, 2022

I send love and hugs to Luke and all of Holly's family. I knew Holly and Luke from early days at Ozark Market, the little health food store in the '90's. She was always such a bright light and will be sorely missed. I am so sad she had to leave us so soon. Best wishes to all of you. Margo

Michael Breid
Eureka Springs, AR
Liked
Friday, March 4, 2022

I knew Holly when she lived in Eureka Springs. One nice lady. Hadn't seen her in a few years. May she rest in peace.

Carrie Marry
Eureka Springs, AR
Liked
Friday, March 4, 2022

I was shocked and saddened to read of Holly's passing in this week's paper.
As a long-time employee at The Eureka Market, and also her neighbor for a few years; I had the opportunity to engage with Holly many, many times. I knew she had an extensive range of knowledge but did not know just how amazing she was!!

She was always so kind and gracious and so willing to share a great viewpoint on health related issues. I held her in high regard as she took such good care of Robert Engler.

We will miss her gentle grace. Deep sympathy to her family.

George Kuepper
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, March 2, 2022

I had the pleasure of working with Holly during those early years at the Kerr Center in Poteau. She will be missed.