Kathleen Ann Walker 1943 ~ 2011
Kathleen Ann Walker, 67, of Glendora, CA, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center in the presence of family who had gathered to be with her after she had suffered a stroke earlier in the week.Kathleen was born to Seth and Neva Pettit in Salt Lake City, UT, on April 21, 1943. After graduating from Granite High School in 1961, Kathleen enrolled at Utah State University in Logan, UT. It was there that she met her future husband, Jae Walker. Kathleen and Jae were married in Salt Lake City on July 9, 1965. The couple moved to California in 1969 and, after residing briefly in Campbell and San Jose, eventually established their family home in Glendora in 1973, a community she would grow to love. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served for many years in a variety of positions promoting faith and spiritual growth among her fellow members. Hundreds of lives have been touched by her selfless contributions of time and talent. She had a gift for imbuing the everyday with beauty and warmth. She found the most satisfaction working behind the scenes and sharing with others the work of her hands and heart. Kathleen found joy in helping others find joy. She welcomed all to her home with a gracious and energetic enthusiasm. Her home was activity central for the busy lives of all of her children and their friends. Her dining room, living room, swimming pool, and patio were the neigh-borhood's as well. Her sincere interest in the well being of others made everyone with whom she could share a conversation (often over some delicious treat) feel welcome and cherished. Happiest when making memories and having fun with her family and friends, Kathleen was always looking forward to and planning for the next get-together. This summer was going to be the 30th installment of the biggest of those get-togethers, the annual camping trip to Leo Carillo State Beach with family and many of her friends and neighbors. Since 1997, Kathleen had been co-proprieter of Hearts-n-Crafts Etc., a resource for all things scrapbooking located in Covina, CA. Her employees and customers will remember how they were touched by the same compassion and joy for living that Kathleen brought to all of her relationships. Kathleen is survived by her devoted husband of more than 45 years, Jae Walker; her six children, Brent, Jason, Amy, John, Aaron, and Sean; five daughters-in-law, Deborah, Brenda, Robin, Jennifer, and Sara; 20 grandchildren, Karsten, Hannah, Sterling, Christopher, Colby, Jasmine, Delaney, Sophie, Nathan, Samantha, Mary, Taylor, Kristen, Sarah, Allison, William, Lindsey, Claire, Olive, and Ender; and five siblings Joe Pettit, Dean Pettit, David Pettit, Lee Pettit, and Julie Chatterton. She is predeceased by her youngest brother, Douglas Pettit, who passed away on March 6, 2006. Kathleen's bountiful life will be celebrated at a funeral service to be held at noon on Thursday, March 10, in the chapel of the Glendora Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2121 East Route 66, Glendora, CA. A viewing will be held the prior evening, on Wednesday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. at White's Funeral Home, 404 East Foothill Boulevard, Azusa, CA. Kathleen will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 12, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, near her parents and brother. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. Flowers can be sent in her name to White's Funeral Home, 404 East Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA 91702.