Mary Walker
Mary Walker
Oskaloosa. Mary Lou Walker, 54, of Oskaloosa died Monday, May 30, 2011, at her home in Oskaloosa. She was born Sunday, June 17, 1956, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Harold and Jessie VanArkel Burggraaf. She graduated from North Mahaska High School with the class of 1974. While she was in high school she worked at Flossie’s Café in New Sharon. On June 27, 1975, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James M. Walker at the Calvary Bible Church in Oskaloosa. She worked at Pella Rolscreen until the birth of her son Troy in 1978. In 1981 their daughter Amanda was born. Mary did daycare in her home for over 30 years. She was a member of the Jubilee Family Church and was very active in Exercise Class, Women’s Group, and Children’s Church. She enjoyed shopping, embroidery, quilting and making beaded jewelry. She was learning to enjoy riding the motorcycle with her husband because it was time they shared together; she had recently become involved with the Christian Motorcycle Association. On Mother’s Day of this year, Jim and Mary made a trip to Muscatine to help out at Jesus Missions. This trip endeared the Jesus Mission to Mary and Jim’s hearts; it was truly a life changing experience. She will be remembered as wearing her heart on her sleeve.
She is survived by her husband James M. Walker of Oskaloosa; a son: Troy (& Jill) Walker of Marshalltown; a daughter: Amanda (& Brian) Edgington of Ottumwa; two grandchildren: Kiara and Derek Walker; two step grandchildren: Jordyn and Jenika; a sister: Carolyn (& James A.) Walker of Tama, Iowa; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Bill Tvedt officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin after 12 noon on Wednesday at the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present at the funeral chapel from 5 – 7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Jesus Missions in Muscatine, Iowa.
Source: Bates Funeral Chapel
