Marilyn Louise (Larson) Walker

| March 16, 2005 12:00 AM

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Marilyn Louise (Larson) Walker, an angel on Earth, died March 8, 2005, after a valiant battle with cancer. An extraordinary woman, Marilyn chose to "live life," her wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude continuing throughout her illness. She touched so many hearts and made a huge imprint on this world. Marilyn will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

On Feb. 26, 1935, Marilyn was born in St. Ignatius, to Lee and Elizabeth Larson. Marilyn, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, grew up on a farm near Polson, and graduated from Polson High School with honors in 1953.

Directly following high school, Marilyn was recruited for employment with General Electric and moved to Richland, Wash. In 1973, she made a career change and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked for the Department of Energy in the accounting office. Eventually, Marilyn returned to the Tri-Cities and worked for the Department of Energy in Richland until her retirement in 1994.

Marilyn was a very special person to her family and her numerous friends. Although a quiet person, Marilyn's wit was well known. She was extremely clever in her use of words, expressing ideas and telling stories in ways that would bring much amusement and pleasure to any event. She was especially creative in her letter writing (or was that Sweetheart, the cat?) and was often encouraged to write a book. She chose, however, to keep her talents solely for the enjoyment of her family and friends.

Marilyn was a person who truly cared for her loved ones. She could be counted on to always be there, warm and sincere. She constantly showed kindness and continually shared all that she had. Marilyn gave unconditional love as a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, and as a friend.

She had strong ties with former high school classmates, co-workers, her "Old Broad" group, Super Bowl bunch and many others. Marilyn enjoyed board games, pinochle parties, cooking, long lunches with good friends, and computer games.

Marilyn married Robert (Bob) Walker in 1972. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Marilyn is survived by her son, David A. Walker of Spokane; a beloved granddaughter, Brianna Walker of Trego; two step-daughters, Sally Smith of Sedona, Ariz., and Linda (Jon) Drake of Monmouth, Ore.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Judith and Donald Willard of Kennewick, Loretta and Larry Juhnke of Steilacoom, Wash., and Imelda and Jim Burton of Anchorage, Alaska; and a sister-in-law, Cleo Charles Jensen of Richland; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marilyn's sisters offer a heart-felt thank you to all of Marilyn's friends and family who continually visited, phoned, sent food, flowers, cards, offered up prayers, picked up her mail daily, stayed with her for extended periods of time when family was not available, and so many, many other acts of kindness.

A celebration of life will be held for Marilyn on Friday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at Einan's Funeral Home, Kennewick Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 West Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336 or a charity of the donor's choice.

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