Helen L. Walker
EDMOND, Okla. — Helen Louise Walker (nee Anderson), 98, passed away Dec. 3, 2021, in Edmond, Okla.
Helen is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James Lindsey Walker; and her son-in-law, Dan Rash.
She is survived by her sister, Kathryn Jackson of Arlington, Texas; her son, James L. Walker Jr. of Athens, Ga., and his wife, Mary; her daughter, Linda Walker Rash of Edmond, Okla.; grandchildren, Bill Walker and his wife, Heather, of Rockaway, N.J., Paul Walker and his wife, Dawn, of Athens, Ga., Brian Rash, Alison Caddy-rash and her wife, Taja, of Edmond; and great-grandchildren PJ, James, Charlie and Luke Walker, and Claire and Ellen Caddy-rash.
Helen was born on Oct. 17, 1923, in Fort Riley, Kan., to Master Sgt. Fred Thomas and Mary Holland Anderson (nee Calk). Born into an Army family, she lived in six states and attended nine schools before graduating high school in Spartanburg, S.C., in 1942. She met Pfc. Jim Walker at Fort Meade, S.D., and the two married in 1943. When Jim returned from service in World War II, they settled in Hot Springs, Ark.
Helen spent most of her 64 Hot Springs years as a member of Central Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and served on the finance committee. She enjoyed working in children’s apparel, first at Ollie Allen’s Young Ages, then helping manage Kiddie Korner with her friend Linda Drobena. During retirement, she enjoyed traveling, spending time with Jim and their grandchildren, and weekly lunch dates with her Forever Friends. After Jim’s death, Helen moved to be near family in Edmond, Okla., where she lived at Copper Lake/lyndale Senior Living. She made many treasured friends during her years there.
Helen loved her family, the town of Hot Springs, the Arkansas Razorbacks, the OKC Thunder and the Lord — not necessarily in that order — and was one of the few people who naturally look good in orange. She was a thoughtful friend, a great dresser, a forward-thinking voter and a realist who believed in making the best of any situation. She enjoyed games from gin rummy to Monopoly and was happy to helpfully remind you to “put your train down” during a favorite domino game. It was always at your peril to underestimate Helen. She loved stories about people and their relationships, which was evident both in her appreciation of a good movie and her lifelong love of a good tabloid, be it Photoplay or People. She was fun, reveled in a good-natured prank every now and then, and was always ready to hit the road whenever, wherever. Needless to say, we will miss her very much.
Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Hot Springs, Ark., at a date to be determined.
Memorials can be sent to Central Baptist Church at 1035 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.