Mary Cathryn “Cathy” Winchester, age 73, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, May 21, 2025, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. 

      She was born July 3, 1951, in Kennett, Missouri, the daughter of Billy Joe and Martha Jane (Walbert) Hughes.  She was united in marriage to Rusty Joe Winchester on August 5, 1972, at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Effingham and together they have shared over 52 wedding anniversaries. 

      Cathy had attended college in St. Louis Missouri, where she received an associate’s degree in business.  She then went on to work as a property manager for Village Apartments in Effingham, where she managed apartment buildings in several surrounding towns. Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Effingham.

      She is survived by her husband: Rusty Winchester; 3 sons: Greg Winchester of Nashville, Ryan Winchester of Flora, and Jon Winchester of Effingham; 5 grandchildren: Briah, Justin, Tyler, Payten, and Kinley Winchester; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces: Amy Shultz and Christi McCoy both of Effingham; and her best friend: Chris Branson of Paris.

      She is preceded in passing by her parents; a sister: Jane Elizabeth Irion; and her lifelong friend: Jackie Roley.

      There will be no services.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com