After a long and full life, Margaret "Marge" Walker passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the age of 87.
Marge was born July 20, 1935, in Kansas City, KS to Henry and Ana Wille. Marge attended Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City and later graduated from The University of Kansas. Upon graduation, she was an elementary schoolteacher at Mark Twain and always spoke fondly of her students over the years.
After her marriage to Clayton "Bud" Walker, Marge moved to Pittsburg, KS in 1961, where she was a beloved part of the neighborhood. Here, she created a loving and warm home for her two boys, which she always kept open for visitors. Marge was involved early on with service to Elm Acres of Pittsburg and Class LTD in Columbus, KS. Additionally, Marge was one of the founding trustees of the Community Foundation of S.E.K.
Family was a priority for Marge. She spent many good times with her parents in Ft. Scott, KS, helping her father raise Polled Hereford bulls or selling apples grown in their apple orchard at the local farmer's market. During her 59-year marriage to Bud, she endured 46 consecutive quail seasons where she enjoyed hosting a range of Bud's guests, including Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin.
Marge instilled in her family a love for nature and a heart for service. She enjoyed caring for her backyard foxes and birds, especially hummingbirds, in Kansas and Arizona. Marge was also known for taking in a range of small creatures, from a three-legged coyote to local stray dogs needing shelter. She will be remembered for her compassionate spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bud, son David, sister Linda Wille, and brother Henry Wille Jr.
Marge is survived by her son Michael (Jolene), her granddaughters, and her two great-grandchildren, Lily Margaret and Walker Daniel.
She will be missed greatly by many. At her request, no service will be held. Instead, please spend time with your family in her honor and watch for backyard birds. In lieu of flowers, our family requests you plant a sunflower for her with a loved one. Our family would love to hear your memories of Marge or a simple hello via email (mwalker5962@gmail.com) or to P.O. Box 32785 Phoenix, AZ 85064.
