Evonne Winter

Evonne Lonnette Winter was born at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco TX on November 20th, 1970, to Lonnie and Paula Short. Evonne grew up in Gatesville; Lorena area of Central TX attended Midway High School and was a cheerleader. As a teen she moved to the city of Austin TX where she met Paul Steiner, married and gave birth to Luke Dillion and Madeline Pearl Steiner they eventually took residence in Bastrop, TX where Evonne along with Paul’s Mother owned and ran a successful resale store called Liza Jane’s. Later she opened” Let’s do Lunch” a downtown lunch café with a devoted following. Evonne eventually became the operations manager with Midnight Lighting, an event production company where she quickly learned the fast-paced world of event lighting production working with some of the biggest names in the entertainment world. Paul and Evonne would later divorce.

The next phase of life for Evonne began when she fell in love with and married Chris Winter, moving to the Winter Ranch in West Point, TX along with Luke and Madeline. Evonne gave birth to their son Jamie in 2003 On the ranch there were cats, dogs, horses and other assorted animals as well as fishing and hosting what many would describe as “epic” celebrations on several of the big holidays. With many guests staying for days. In 2010 the Winter’s sold the ranch moving to Smithville, TX where Chris ran a local business and Evonne after being diagnosed with Graves disease had to adjust to a less demanding schedule. She used this time to become a self-taught artist specializing in wire wrap jewelry creations and other unique crafts. Her work featured and sold in galleries in Smithville and Bastrop. Her talent for creating art and jewelry grew, becoming a well-known fixture in the local art community.

On July 6th at 11:30 AM Evonne was fatally struck by an intoxicated driver heading at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction of Hwy 71 not far from her home where she was returning. This senseless and tragic event has left those who love her and the community devastated.

Evonne was well known for her kindness, generosity, hard work, love for her family and friends, all who will miss her dearly. Early in their time together Evonne and Chris discovered the beauty and people of the small Mexican village of Yelapa, Jalisco visiting often they developed close relationships that continue today the Yelapa community mourns her loss as well. She had a deep fondness for Elephants with many displayed around her home in all fashion of ways. As well as her elephant tattoo, she shared with Chris below a quote in Spanish which read “everyone love everyone” which defined her perfectly.

Private memorial events will take place in the Waco and Smithville area. Evonne’s final wish upon the event of her passing is to take her cremated remains back to the village of Yelapa commencing with a beach celebration of her life, gathering those who love and wish to honor her on what would have been her 57th year November 21st those wishing to attend contact Chris Winter for details.