Lauren Olivia Winter

Lauren Olivia Winter, beloved daughter, sister, ana aunt who brought joy and light to every room she entered, passed away on June 29, 2026, in Mooreland, Indiana, at the young age of 24. She was born on October 31, 2001, in New Castle, Indiana, to Michelle (Meyers) Winter and the late Michael Jason Winter.

From an early age, Lauren’s presence radiated warmth and energy. Smart, bubbly, and effortlessly the life of every gathering, she was known for her outgoing and adventurous personality. Her love for excitement was contagious and she was always chasing new experiences. Friends remember her as artistic and intelligent, pretty and fierce, always encouraging those she cared about to embrace both the quiet and wild moments of life.

Lauren’s talents were many, her passions wide-ranging. She graduated from Shenandoah in 2020. Lauren devoted six years to Ag Express in Sulphur Springs, where she worked in quality control.

An avid horse owner and accomplished barrel racer, Lauren’s connection with animals, especially her cherished horses, was profound. Horses were not simply a passion—they were a part of her soul. A ten-year member of 4-H and an active member of several equestrian associations, including the NBHA, IBRA, PHBA, AQHA, and the Henry County Saddle Club, she poured her heart into every event and trail ride. Recently, she celebrated milestones that were dear to her heart: buying her own stud horse, French Gigolo, and forging a special bond with another horse on the farm, Mission Trump, lovingly called Donald J.

Outside the arena, Lauren found joy in drawing, taking pictures, kayaking, reading, riding motorcycles, and hiking. Whether she was chasing sunsets on a motorcycle or getting lost in a good book, she lived each moment with an infectious enthusiasm that inspired those around her to find beauty in the world and to live fully. Above all, Lauren was a child of God and was loved and cared for by Him.

Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Michelle Winter (partner Wayne Houston); siblings, Audrey Winter (partner Kole Craig) and Braxton Winter; special niece, Talia Winter; grandmother, Nancy Meyers; and uncles, Jeff Catron (partner Crystal Brattain), John (Amanda) Meyers, and Alan Winter.

Lauren was preceded in death by her father, Michael Jason Winter; her paternal grandparents; and her maternal grandfather.

A visitation will be held on July 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m., both at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. Mark Herbkersman will be officiating. At the family’s’ request, instead of purchasing flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Lauren Olivia Winter Memorial Fund, envelopes will be available at the funeral home or donate online here. You may express condolences or share a memory of Lauren at www.ballardandsons.com.