Idabel W. Walden

Upon the unexpected death of her birth mother, Idabel was cared for by family members until a loving couple, Grace and Ollie Warren, provided a permanent home.

As a “Houston Heights” native, Idabel attended Harvard Elementary, Hogg Jr. High and John Reagan High School. In her early years she enjoyed being a member of Troop 40/San Jacinto Girl Scouts, and a member of the Rainbow Girls, Heights Masonic Lodge. At Reagan High School, Idabel was a Bugler of the renowned Reagan Red Coats Drum & Bugle Corp, graduating in June 1947. She then married her high school sweetheart, Willard Walden. In their 66 years of marriage, they enjoyed trips to the Texas Hill Country and neighboring states. Cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal were highlights. Many memorable evenings were spent with her husband enjoying waltzes and polkas at the SPJST Lodge 88. Idabel worked at Traveler’s Ins. Co., HISD, and as secretary to Mrs. Perry at Heights Savings Assn., and John Bailey, DDS.

During Idabel’s many years of membership at Heights Presbyterian Church, she served as deacon and elder. Idabel and Willard then became members of Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 2004. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Lady Washington Chapter, NSDAR for thirty-four years.

Idabel is survived by her children; Linda Walden Taylor, Susan Walden Lemon and Willard L. Walden Jr. and his wife Janet, grandchildren; John T. Taylor and his wife Pepper, Jacquelyn Taylor Kleihege and her husband Michael, Laura Lemon Biescar and her husband Matt, Lana Lemon Berry and her husband Tim, Vanessa Walden Hall and her husband Neil and Michael A. Walden and his fiancé Andrea Organ, Great Grandchildren; Levi Taylor, Ella Taylor, Macy Kleihege, Sadie Kleihege, Will Kleihege, Preston Berry, Paula Berry, Ellison Biescar, Grayson Hall, Autumn Hall, Ember Hall, Caleb, Matlock, Hannah Matlock, Noah Matlock and Mara Matlock.

Other loved ones include Victor Reddick of Huntsville, the Parnes’ Family of San Antonio, and Max Cunningham of Houston.

We extend much gratitude to her end-of-life caregivers: Ruby, Monique and Sharon, along with special staff members of Village of the Heights and Seasons Hospice.

A visitation for Idabel will be held Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008. Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow service at the church. A committal service at Historical Hollywood Cemetery, 3506 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77009.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024 or the Charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Walden family.