Thursday, April 25, 2024
Vola "Grandma Jean" Walker passed away in her Orondo home November 20, 2018, after an extended illness. She was born January 10, 1934 in Bates, Arkansas to Lonnie and Bonnie Reed (Ridenour). She married James Walker February 22, 1953 in Las Vegas, Nevada, having one son, Jim Walker.
James and Jean were agricultural workers who chased the harvests from Arkansas to the Pacific Northwest, ultimately making their home in Washington State. After retirement, Jean loved nothing more than walking through the orchard, admiring springtime's blooms or sizing up the harvest. Jean also greatly treasured her family, and instilling a strong work ethic and the importance of 'getting a good education' were priorities when raising both her son and teaching her grandchildren. An excellent cook of Southern comfort food, she typically could be found in her kitchen baking. Her favorite pastimes were shoe shopping, reading about our area's history, Sunday drives, and drinking iced hazelnut lattes. Her good nature, quick laughter, patience, and level-headedness made her a treasured friend and "Grandma Jean" to all. A three-time cancer survivor and fighter until the end, Jean will be deeply missed.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Lonnie and Bonnie, husband 'Shug', brothers CL, WC, Glen, and sister Helen.
She is survived by her sons Jim and Bill (Cheryl) Walker, brother Gary (Donna), granddaughters Stephanie (Bep) and her mother Barbara; Morgan and her mother Sue; step-grandsons Tyler and Greg, great-grandson Ethan, friend Jenny and her beloved dachshunds Oscar and Luna.
Graveside Service Saturday Dec. 15, 11 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery, under the direction of Precht Rose Chapel. Celebration of Life to follow at Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso, Orondo.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Dr. Garrison and the Confluence Health home Care & Hospice Care Team for their service.
Please leave any thoughts and memories for the family at www.prechtrose.com.
