Sylvia Kraft Walker

Sylvia was born on August 18, 1936, and was raised in Batavia, Illinois. Sylvia grew up in the beautiful Fox River Valley with her parents, Melvin L. Kraft and Ruth Isabella McArthur. She grew up with two older sisters, a pony, dogs and cats, and many cousins and family members. She had a wonderful childhood. Her father would take her fishing, hunting and gave her flying lessons in his plane. She was the son he never had.

Sylvia had a very full and diverse life. In addition to raising 5 children, she was a registered nurse and was also a director on the board of several of the McNulty group of banks. In 1984, Sylvia married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Walker and became very active in his company, Robart Mfg. Co. Inc. They did a lot of traveling and met so many wonderful friends in the years of air shows and fly-ins. In 2005, they retired and became full-timers in the Clearwater area.

Sylvia put her heart and soul into her family and home. She loved cooking, entertaining, decorating, knitting, shopping, piano, bridge and more. There was not a board or card game she did not love. Sylvia and Bob spent countless hours with her sisters and their spouses playing cards and working on puzzles. The Kraft girls were something else and they were fortunate to enjoy time together.

Sylvia and Bob were very active and devoted to family life. They were active in the lives of their children, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. They were always around for kids’ activities and milestones. The two of them shared a passion in the church and they were avid members of Anona Methodist Church in Largo, Florida.

She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Laura, Tim, Cheryl and Lisa, and her Bonus children, Tom, Karen, Jeff and Tina, and a large and loving extended family of sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and more.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sylvia’s memory may be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760.