William “Bill” Ferlin Winchell, 83of San Ardo, Calif. passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Vineyard Hills Care Facility, Templeton, Calif. He was born December 6, 1934 in Lompoc, Calif.
The family lived in Santa Maria before moving to the San Ardo Area in the early 1940’s. Bill’s parents owned and operated the Evergreen Café in San Ardo for many years. In 1954, Bill was drafted and he served in the US Army until 1956. After attending 2 years of community college in Ventura, California, he returned to San Ardo and worked in the oil fields. He married Linda McNiel on September 24th, 1960; they recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.
Bill started a gardening and landscaping business in 1964 and operated it for over 35 years, retiring in the year 2000 at the age of 65. He always enjoyed gardening and planted large vegetable gardens every summer. He also propagated orchids, and spent many hours in his greenhouse. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching science, history, word working and mathematics on the computer. One of Bill’s favorite past times was wood turning. He could often be found making bowls and other projects on his lathe. He was a member of the Central Coast Wood Turners and the San Bernardo Grange. In addition, Bill was an active member of the San Ardo Volunteer Fire Company from 1979 to 2001. He served on the
San Ardo School Board for eight years, and also volunteered as a 4-H Leader and Boy Scout Leader. He further volunteered his time tutoring math for area high school and college students.
Bill is survived by his wife, Linda Joyce Winchell of San Ardo; daughters, Eileen Marie Barnhill of Chewelah, Washington and Mitzi Marie VanVoorhis of Spokane, Washington; sister, Marilyn Starks of Riverton, Wyoming; grandchildren, Kolten Reed Harris of Bellingham, Washington, Bryce McNiel Harris of Chewelah,
Washington, Holly Marie VanVoorhis and Jack Cyril VanVoorhis of Spokane, Washington.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril Charles Winchell and Helen Marie Winchell and sister, Eileen Helen Winchell.
Graveside Services with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 in the San Ardo District Cemetery, San Ardo, Calif.
If you wish, remembrance donations may be made to Central Coast Hospice – 253 Granada Drive, Ste. #D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or to the San Ardo Volunteer Fire Co. – PO Box 311, San Ardo, CA 93450.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com
