Rueben Winter

Rueben Winter, age 85, passed away on September 30, 2025, at his home in Upton, Wyoming.

Rueben was born February 24, 1940, in Greenwald, Minnesota, to Erwin and Frances Winter. He later lived on the ranch in Upton, Wyoming, with his Uncle John and Aunt Jessie, and later with cousins Dean and Wanda Materi alongside their children Ron, Randy, Doug, Paul and Donna. His early life experiences taught him the value of hard work and family. Anyone who worked with Rueben would tell you that his work ethic was unmatched, as was the love he felt for his family.

After graduating from Upton High School, Rueben made his way to the small town of Colony, Wyoming. It was there, at a special Thanksgiving dinner, that he met Virginia “Ginnie” Schneider. Ginnie later worked as a waitress at a truck stop in Newcastle, where Rueben quickly became a regular customer. They became inseparable, caring for each other as they went from “Mr. and Mrs.” to “Dad and Mom” to “Grandpa and Grandma” and finally to “Great Papa and GiGi.”

Rueben proudly served overseas with the U.S. Army in South Korea. Upon his return, he married Ginnie on June 26, 1965, in Julesburg, Colorado. The couple moved to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, before settling in Upton, where they shared 57 wonderful years together. Rueben worked in the oilfields as a tool-pusher until his retirement. He loved his work and talked about his time in the oilfield often — often with very colorful language! They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kim and Kelli, who brought him great joy.

When Reuben wasn’t working, he cherished spending time with his family, especially waterskiing and camping trips to Keyhole. These trips to the lake were more than just vacations — they were a way for him to share his love of the water and the outdoors, a passion he proudly passed on to his daughters. Reuben was also known to frequent the town of Deadwood — an adventure he enjoyed with a mischievous grin, even if Ginnie wasn’t always thrilled. He had a favorite slot machine and enjoyed testing his luck. Even at the age of 85 Rueben still loved his daily three-mile walk (sometimes twice!) and a good cowboy-western book to read in his recliner.

He loved his family. Rueben’s care for his family and especially his love for Ginnie were always on display. He always put Ginnie first, no matter the circumstance; he was a role model for all on how to cherish and love your wife. Never short on conversation, especially with his family, his quick wit and comebacks were revered by all, especially his adoring grandchildren. During the last couple of years, “Great Papa” was able to spend time between Kelli’s and Kim’s homes and was able to enjoy the company of his daughters and son-in-laws, grandchildren and friends. He built special bonds and memories with his five great-grandchildren, playing chase, pushing them on the swing, taking adventurous walks and sharing meals. It was truly a special time in his life.

Rueben was friendly to all, his smile and laughter infectious; he never met a stranger, including the many hitchhikers he brought home to Ginnie's surprise. Loyal and kind, but tough as nails, his family loved him deeply. He will be missed, but they take comfort that he is now home with the Lord.

He was the most giving, caring, selfless person his family ever knew — their hero.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ginnie; his parents, Irwin and Frances Winter; his siblings, Cleo Winter and Betty Winter; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Nadine Ingram; his granddaughter, Kristina Bolles; his nephew, Travis Ingram; and his niece, Stephanie Schneider.

Rueben is survived by his sister, Mary Lenoue (Mike); his brother, Dennis Winter (Sally); and his brother-in-law, Robert Schneider (Barb). He is also lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kim (Randy) and Kelli (Scott); his grandchildren, Travis (Cara), Lauren (Matt), Madi, Braden (Katie), and Riley; and his great-grandchildren, Kobie, Atticus James, Lula, Kaden, Cole, and Bennet. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

A funeral service will be held at the Upton Community Center at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY, 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com.