Rufus Carlton Winters, 90, of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away on Dec. 7, 2021, surrounded by family.
Rufus was born to Nana Bland in Clayton, Alabama. Shortly after, they met Henry Winter, who was in the U.S. Coast Guard. The family moved to Castle Rock, Washington, and began their new life in the Pacific Northwest.
Rufus graduated from Battle Ground High School as the president of his class. He pursued a bachelor’s degree at Western Washington University. This degree led him to his career as a dedicated math teacher and coach at Battle Ground High School and eventually a professor at Western Business College.
Rufus loved the outdoors. In his spare time, he cultivated his land and built a log home that created a harbor of love for family and friends for years to come. Upon retiring from teaching, Rufus and his wife, Carol, sought a new adventure when they purchased and managed the Historic Chinook Hotel in Kelso, Washington. At this time, he also enjoyed being the general manager for the Marauders Drum and Bugle Corps. Rufus’ love for the outdoors eventually led them back to his log home. It was at that time that he opened his landscaping business.
He enjoyed being surrounded by family, tending to his greenhouse and beehives, caring for his koi pond, and beautifying landscapes for others. Rufus was in his element on his tractor, cultivating his land with his dog by his side. Rufus was preceded by his wife Carol.
He is survived by children Paula (and husband Mike), Melanie, Lauana, Tonia (and partner Oliver), Wyatt (and wife Barb), and Marla (and husband Erik); and his three stepchildren Michelle, Andrew (and wife Dana) and Eric (and partner Lauri), as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life in his honor will be on July 16, 2022.
