Walton, Wilma Baker

Wilma Baker Walton, 89, of rural Anamosa, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, in her home surrounded by her family. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Anamosa. The Rev. Mike Williams will officiate at the service. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Internment will be at Wilcox Cemetery in Viola.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving are her children, Ken (Peggy) Walton of Viola, and Kathy Petersen of Manchester; former son-in-law, Dan Petersen of Manchester; two sisters, Betty Lubben of Onslow, and Eva Kray of Anamosa; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two twin great-great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; infant sister, Opal Jeanette; infant grandson, Baby Walton; six brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

Wilma Baker Walton was born Jan. 7, 1922, in Russell, Iowa. She was the daughter of Tisae and Glady Kells Baker. She attended schools at Russell, Batavia and graduated from Corydon High School. After high school, she received her High School Normal Training Certificate to teach and started teaching in the country schools around Anamosa.

Wilma married Bob Walton on Nov. 16, 1940, in Milan, Mo., and they celebrated 65 years together before Bob passed away in 2006. While teaching, she attended Upper Iowa University, Coe and Cornell Colleges graduating from Upper Iowa in August of 1970. She ended up teaching in the Anamosa/Viola school districts for 39 years before retiring in 1985.

Wilma was a member of the BPW, Past Noble Grand, Rebekah Lodge and many other community organizations. She belonged to the First Congregational United Church of Christ for more than 50 years.

We would like to thank Above and Beyond and Above and Beyond Hospice for the exceptional care they gave to our mother so she could remain in her home. This was always her wish and we thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Above and Beyond Hospice in Monticello, or the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Anamosa.