Gertrude Walker

Gertrude Walker, 95, passed away peacefully on Nov. 11, 2015 at her home in Lakeside AZ. The last ten years she struggled valiantly with heart disease. She was born April 30, 1920 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota to Merle and Gladys Peterson Fox. In 1935, the family moved to Scottsdale. A 1938 graduate of Scottsdale High School she married Vernon Walker October 23, 1938. Gertrude was an active member of Scottsdale First Baptist Church and Pinetop First Baptist Church. For over 50 years, she taught 4 and 5 year old children at church. Left to celebrate her life: Vernon, her husband of 77 years, children, Arline Ryan (Carl) of Rogers, Arkansas, Bud-Vernon Jr. (Patsy) of Dolores, Colorado, Connie Larson and Dan Walker, both of Pine; brother, Manley (Sue) Fox of Scottsdale; grandchildren, Carline (Marshall) Sinkler, Julie (Scott) Funcannon, Vernon III (Brenda), Jennifer (Brett) Crouse, Amanda (Kevin) Short, Christian Larson, Jason (Lucy) Walker, Leslie Walker, Destiny Walker; 16 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, Margarite Tidwell, her close friend of 80-years,and many friends. Everyone who knew Gertrude loved her. Welcoming Gertrude to her new Heavenly Home were her parents, Merle and Gladys; step-mother, Marie; sisters, LuElla, Dorothy, Margaret, Helen, Nadine and brother, Eugene; grandchildren, Deborah Walker and Kenneth Ryan; and others of the Fox, Walker, Fant and Peterson families. During their years together, Gertrude and Vernon experienced a journey of joy mixed with difficulties and sadness but always with God and their faith at the center. Through World War II, the deaths of loved ones and serious illness, God has been faithful. She was an incredibly committed Christian and loved her Lord and Savior with all of her being and now is seeing Him face-to-face. Gertrude was an amazing role model of a Godly wife, mother and grandmother touching the lives of many with the love of Jesus. She loved her kids; kissing away our tears and making our hurts better. We praise God for the years we shared with our precious loved one. Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 11:00 AM at Pinetop First Baptist Church. Memorial gifts: Hospice Compassus, Lakeside, or Children's Dept. Pinetop FBC.