Virginia “Winnie” McKenzie crossed to the next world on Saturday June 27, 2026, after a long illness.

Winnie was born on August 20, 1957, and she peacefully left this world surrounded by her immediate family. 

Winnie is survived by her daughter Carrie McKenzie; grandchildren Bryson, Poywason, Kehloni, and Bodie; sisters Shirley Laos, Vivian Nelson, Janice Lewis, and Sonya Rhodes; brothers David Lewis, Jamie Lewis, and David Weatherford; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. 

Winnie was preceded in death by her daughter Brombe Lewis; sister Ruby Rollings; brothers Roger Lewis and John Lewis; nephews Anthony “Tony” Lewis and Vernon Weathrford; and her parents Vera Green and Andrew Lewis. 

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, going to the Humboldt Crabs Baseball games, and was an avid fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Dodgers. Winnie was an enrolled member of Trinidad Rancheria and a descendant of the Yurok, Karuk, and Chetco people.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home at 7835 E. St. Eureka, Calif. Gravesite services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at Trinidad Cemetery officiated by Pastor Kevin Lockhart. Following will be a Celebration of Life Gathering to be held at The Heights Bingo Hall at 5 p.m. 

Pallbearers are Brett McKenzie, Poywason Lewis, David Lewis, Bryson Lewis, Kenneth Childs, and David Weatherford. 

Honorary pallbearers are Corbin Childs, Wyatt Childs, Sam Albers, Russel Albers, Jonny Laos, Jamie Lewis, Trevor Mead, Leroy Med, and Frank Miguel. 

A special thanks to the Trinidad Rancheria staff and members for support during this difficult time.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Winnie McKenzie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.