Denise Kay (Pillard) Walker

DENISE KAY (PILLARD) WALKER

Ankeny

Denise Kay (Pillard) Walker, 65, passed away on Jan. 8, 2022, at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with Cancer. Denise will be cremated with a Celebration of Life to be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, at Maranatha Bible Church, 526 Thrid Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Denise was born on July 12, 1956, in Coggon, Iowa, to Wilbur and Margaret (Richardson) Pillard. Growing up on a farm, helping the family raise corn and livestock. After graduating from North Linn High School in 1974, Denise attended St. Luke's School of Nursing. She graduated, becoming a registered nurse in 1977.

While attending a local church, Denise met the love of her life, Walt. Walt and Denise united in marriage on Dec. 16, 1978.

Denise worked for many years as a registered nurse, first for Mercy Hospital and later for St. Luke's Hospital. Caring for her family and those around her was second nature to Denise. Her compassion extended to many furry friends who found a warm home with Walt and Denise over the years.

Her evenings were often spent enjoying time with Walt as well as books, puzzles and watching Hallmark movies.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Walt; her children, Nathaniel Walker of Waterloo and Laura Miller (Devin) of Polk City; sisters, Delores McAtee of Coggon, Diane Hamos (Robert) of Keller, Texas, and Donna Arthur (George) of Lakeland, Fla.; brother, David Pillard (Wendy) of Fort Collins, Colo.; and her beloved cats, Sidney, Chester and Lilly.