Oleta I Walker

Oleta was born to D. A. "Lonnie" and Dora (Robinson) Silver on March 27, 1912 in Troy, OR. One of 7 brothers and sisters she grew up with a loving family in Jerry, WA outside of Asotin, WA where her father managed a grain elevator/flour mill. While in high-school the family moved to Goldendale WA. After graduation she started business college in Portland OR; but did not complete the course as it became necessary for her to return home to care for her ailing mother.

During this time she met and married Ralph W. Walker, September 19, 1934 in Yakima. He was a Klickitat County Deputy Sheriff. Later, they were transferred to White Salmon WA where son, Dean, was born in 1937. A little sister, Lona, came along 3 years later.

Oleta was a loving wife and mother. She attended the Congregational and Methodist churches. She truly enjoyed family and community. She and Ralph were White Salmon community leaders. She was active in leadership roles in Rebecca's and Eastern Star. She was also on PTA and a sports' mom, and growing up in this environment was the best! Ralph became Chief of Police, where he worked into his 70's. After his retirement they enjoyed travel, visiting out-of ¬state children/grandchildren.

After Ralph's death in 1971, she moved to Salem, OR. She lived independently, and cared-for a physically handicapped brother until he passed away. In Salem, she was a member and baptized in the Baptist church. In 2002 she moved to Yakima and Blossom House Assisted Living. In March, 2009, she transferred to Landmark Care Center. Family wishes to thank Landmark staff for their care.

Oleta was preceded in death by her husband Ralph; granddaughter Courtnay; parents and brothers and sisters. She is survived by son, Dean Walker (Patty) of Yakima; daughter, Lona Rose (Bob) of Sublimity, OR; grandchildren, Traci Rose of Eugene, OR, Gary and Judy Rose and great granddaughter, Theresa Rose of Puyallup, WA, Julie and Rob Barnett of Camano Island, WA, and Alicen Walker.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Keith & Keith Ninth Ave Chapel. Inurnment to be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR at a later date. To share a memory, visit www.keithandkeith.com.