Mary L. Walton

Mary Lee Skidmore was born on March 19, 1919 in Corbin, Kentucky. She was the fifth child of eight siblings born to Sarah and Ira Skidmore. Mary struck out on her own and in 1940 met and married James C. Walton, in Phoenix City, Arkansas. Jim was a career military man and his assignments took them to a variety of U.S. locations. Their oldest child, Jimmy, was born in Tampa, Florida. Ken and Myrna were born at Fort Lewis, Washington.

From 1947 to 1956 the family lived on a ten acre farm, in Battleground, WA. Here they raised chickens, pigs and beef, and maintained a vegetable and fruit garden. The family held dear the many happy memories of the small farm. In 1956, Jim's final assignment moved the family back to Fort Lewis, where they took up residence in Lacey.

Mary was a homemaker skilled at sewing, baking and gardening. Over the years, Jim had other deployments and Mary held down the fort to their three children. The Walton home was a busy neighborhood gathering place where the cookie jar was always full. Mary was involved with the many activities of three busy children.

She is survived by Myrna (Bill) Lance and Ken (Laurie) Walton. Mary set an example as a devoted mother and loving grandmother to six grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and eleven great, great grandchildren. She was proud of her family and taught them to be honest, independent, creative and instilled in them valuable work ethics.

She was a lifetime member of the Martha Washington Chapter of the Eastern Star.

No matter what the situation, Mary would never complain and she maintained this demeanor through her final days She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, son, Jimmy, and all her siblings and parents. She was dearly loved and her kind spirit will be missed by the family she leaves behind, but they find comfort knowing she is with Our Father, in heaven.