Ida “Louise” Walker was born July 20, 1935, in Licking, Mo., to Virgil R. Bates and Mary E. (Thompson) Bates. She passed away on Feb. 25, 2014, in Licking, Mo. She had seven brothers and three sisters.
On June 19, 1953, she married Billy D. Walker of Houston, Mo. They had three children, Mary Gilbert, Billy R. Walker and Brenda Wilson. They also have 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She grew up on the farm working in the fields with her dad. She worked various jobs, including: Brown Shoe Co.; a spring company in Chicago as a machine operator; many waitressing jobs in different places (she always remembered her waitress experience when she dined at a restaurant); and a machine shop, owned and operated with her husband, working as a machine operator. Her most challenging job was to be a Pastor’s wife, wherein she was faithful.
Louise was saved in a Baptist Church in Melrose Park, Ill., and was faithful in her service to God until she became disabled.
She loved people and never met a stranger. Her family was very important to her and she loved them all. She and her husband went everywhere together, hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. They lived in three other states but came home to Missouri.
She loved animals. One of her most prized animals was a Mammoth Jack weighing around 1,000 lbs, which she bought at an auction and a mule named Precious. She also had several peacocks that she was proud of.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her husband, Billy D. Walker; children, Mary of Licking, Billy and his wife, Maria, of Tucson, Ariz., and Brenda and her husband, Mickey R., of Licking; one sister, Marie; and three brothers, Dean and wife, Betty, Gary, Ray and wife, Joan. Also surviving are her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, all loved unconditionally.
She will be missed by her family and friends, but she is home with her Lord and Savior.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Evans Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at Evans Funeral Home with Elder Paul G. Pritchard officiating. Burial will be in Ellis Prairie Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Billy R. Walker, Mickey Wilson, Jesse Wilson, Theresa Bates, Roy Bates, Ricky Kidd, Samantha Bates, Bobbert Bates, and Joe Bates.
Memorials may be made to the Ellis Prairie Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com
PAID
