September 28, 2016

Born March 6, 1921, in Sewell, Chile. Preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Gallup; her parents, Creta and Fred Hill; brother Harry; and sisters Ruth Fugitt and Mary Lu Roberts. Mrs. Gallup died Sept. 19 at her home in the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. She is survived by her two daughters Nancy (Ralph Jr.) Penland, M.D., and Cynthia (Richard Jr., dec.) Pine; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Winnie showed musical talent as a small child. Her mother found a music teacher well trained in theory and improvisation. By the age of 9 Winnie was playing the organ regularly for church services in Linn County, Kan. Soon she was asked to tour with Billy Sunday revivals as a pianist. Entering KU at age 16, she was quickly in demand as an accompanist in the School of Music. She studied piano with Ruth Orcutt Bacon and graduated with a BFA in piano in 1941.

Winnie’s tenure at the First Presbyterian Church began while she was in college; she played there for over 63 years. She graced the organ at Warren-McElwain Mortuary for over 60 years. At weddings, funerals, concerts and recitals she was bedrock for the musical needs and joys of Lawrence. Generations of musicians are grateful to her. One says: “she was a great gift to us. She was always there; she always made us shine.”

Making community through music was her life calling; she took great delight in helping others sing and play their best. In her travels from rural Kansas to the cafes of Paris and beyond, she brought people together through the language of music. At 17 she met in the music program at KU her lifelong collaborator in this joyful work: Alfred Gallup, whom she married in 1942. They were still singing together in the halls of Presbyterian Manor until his death in May 2016. Their marriage was one of great mutual encouragement and service. Al and Winnie were grateful for wonderful friends, for their family and for their church. They prayed, sang and laughed together daily.

Winnie participated in the American Guild of Organists, KU Mortar Board, the Lawrence Music Club, Mu Phi Epsilon, PEO, Alpha Omicron Pi and Tennola Club. She and Al were long-term members of the Lawrence Civic Choir and the KU Endacott Society. Winnie loved children and was a musical grandmother to generations. She facilitated the children’s and handbell choirs at her church and infected nearly everyone she met with the love of music.

Winnie’s memory and attention to detail were legendary. She seamlessly transposed music into the best key for singers. She would recall and play songs which she had once heard decades ago. She knew multiple languages. She was regularly called in on short notice to fill in or substitute for other accompanists. These gifts were always generously given for the greater Glory of God. 

In her last years Winnie was deeply grateful for the skilled and sensitive care of the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor staff. Her family will have graveside services this week.  A memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church will be announced later this fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Good Samaritan Program of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, the Deacons’ Fund of the First Presbyterian Church or to KU Endowment to benefit the School of Music.

Online condolences may be sent to warrenmcelwain.com.