Mrs. Elfreeda Winkler, age 94, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Personal Care in Dalton.

Mrs. Winkler was born May 6, 1931, in Dalton, Georgia, a daughter of the late Wiley Millard and Katherine Pauline Durham Staten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archie Winkler; daughter, Anneita King; daughter-in-law, Mazella King; brothers, Richard “Jack” Staten, Bud Staten, J.M. “Bud” Staten, Rueben Staten, Gordon Staten, Frank Staten, and Bobby Staten; and sisters, Margaret Hammontree, Edith Staten, and Katherine Davis.

Elfreeda was truly a mother to all who knew her. She was most loving, yet feisty and strong-willed, never afraid to speak her mind. Her warmth and spirit drew people to her, especially children, and she shared a special bond with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. A deeply independent woman, she lived with strength, compassion, and a heart big enough for everyone. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and guidance, and she will be missed dearly by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

She was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her sons, William “Billy” King of Rockwood, TN, and Archie (Stephenie) Winkler of Chatsworth, GA; daughters, Vickki (Darrell) Akins of Calhoun, GA, Archelle (Charles “Chuck”) Bailey of Crandall, GA, and Pamela Fostene (Stan) Seal of Dalton, GA; brother, Wiley Staten of Panama City Beach, FL; twenty grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Elfreeda Winkler will be held Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend David Peepler officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at West Hill Cemetery, with Ben Seal, Greg Dyer, Stan Seal, Zander Burkett, Jimmy Adams, and Nathan Fincher honored to serve as pallbearers.

Click here to view Celebration of life for Mrs. Elfreeda Winkler

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday and after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning until the service hour.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, Georgia.

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