Josephine L Winterton

Josephine “Jody” Litchfield Winterton passed away peacefully in her home on January 20, 2026, at the age of 99. She was surrounded with love and support by her family throughout her life.

Jody was born on March 25, 1926, in the small community of Raymond, Alberta, Canada, and always loved her Canadian roots. She was raised on the family farm by her parents Ernest and Minnie Litchfield. She was the oldest of five children: Roy, Gerald, Rulon, and Maureen. Education and the gospel of Jesus Christ were very important to their family and remained so throughout her life.

After normal school, Jody obtained her teaching certificate and taught elementary school in Alberta. A few years later she served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Mission from 1950 to 1951. She was surprised one day when her brother, Rulon, showed up on her doorstep because he had been called to the exact same mission. She visited relatives she had never met before and cherished a friendship with a woman she taught there, faithfully exchanging Christmas cards for 70 years.

After her mission, Jody furthered her education at BYU where she became reacquainted with James “Jim” Ririe Winterton. They were married in the Cardston Alberta Temple on December 30, 1953. The temple was closed, but they opened it just for their wedding. Due to a snow storm, they were two hours late for their own ceremony, but that was just the beginning of a life full of laughter, patience, and devotion.

They loved each other dearly and lived the gospel the best they could while always striving to instill that same love in each of their five children: Gary, David, Ruth, Richard, and Carol. Jim was an avid BYU fan. Jody became one too just so she could spend more time with her husband and children. They were married for 48 years until Jim passed away in 2001.

Together, Jim and Jody developed Indian Hills, and were one of the first homes in the area. They helped create a beautiful neighborhood and community. In Jody’s patriarchal blessing she was promised that she would be surrounded by the beauties of nature. Her home was surrounded by such beauty with views of the mountains, lake, and the Provo Temple. Many mornings found her on the balcony, enjoying breakfast, and quietly soaking in God’s creations.

Jody faithfully served in many church callings throughout her life including Relief Society President, Stake Relief Society Counselor, and teacher, among many others. Jody was a very devoted wife and faithfully supported Jim in his callings as Bishop and High Councilor for over 12 years on the BYU campus–where lifelong friendships were formed and where all five children were blessed. No wonder they all bleed blue!

Jody had many dear friends, ward members, and neighbors whom she loved and quietly served. She especially enjoyed her morning walks with friends, where conversations, laughter, and companionship became a meaningful part of her days.

Above all else, Jody treasured her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. These relationships were her greatest joy. Her family–and later her grandchildren attending BYU–were guests at her delicious Sunday dinners. Afterwards, they played board games together. It was not a matter of winning or losing, but spending time together as family. Although, she did like to win. Jody leaves a legacy of inspiration, charity, encouragement, and love which will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Jody is survived by her sister, Maureen Baird (Robert); children, Gary (Vicki), David (Nickie), Ruth, Richard, Carol Gibbs (Ron); 9 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

A celebration of Jody’s life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Indian Hills LDS Chapel, 3050 N Mojave Lane, Provo, Utah. A visitation will be held for family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial, Provo, Utah.
Please visit the Website at 3:00 pm to watch the Service through Youtube.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, ward members, and care givers for the love, kindness, and faithful support shown to Jody throughout her life and especially in her later years.