Obituary: WALKER, ELEANOR

Eleanor Louise Young Walker1927 ~ 2014Eleanor Louise Young Walker, 86, died Saturday morning, March 29, 2014 at her home in Taylorsville, Utah. She was surrounded by her family, with her two sons holding her hands and her kitty, Precious, at her feet. Eleanor was born November 29, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Wanda Schroder Young Olsen and Frederick Nelson Young. She was the second born twin, the first being her sister Ellen Dilley. She and Ellen were raised by their maternal grandparents, T.R. and Louise G. Schroder. Ellen, who survives, was a constant source of companionship and care in Eleanor's last few years. Eleanor married Joel M. Walker on May 19, 1951, in Ely, Nevada, and they were happily devoted to each other for 52 years. Joel preceded her in death in 2003. They were the proud parents of six children, who, along with their spouses, are Shannon and Mike Harding of Provo, Utah; Rosalie and Les Gray of Stamford, Connecticut; Carole and Nick Stokes of Boise, Idaho; Barbara and Kelan Silvester of Portland, Oregon; Alan and Toni Walker of Taylorsville, Utah; and Steven and Debbie Walker of Taylorsville, Utah. Joel and Eleanor were especially fortunate to have Alan and Steven nearby, with their wives Toni and Debbie, who proved to be angels on earth. The four of them took special care of Eleanor, with regular visits and help with shopping, cleaning, yard work, personal care and everything else Joel would have wanted them to do for her. She was the beloved grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, one of whom preceded her in death. She was a strong supporter of their school activities, enjoyed attending their sporting events well into her 80's, and was exceptionally proud of their many talents and accomplishments. Eleanor graduated from West High School in 1945 and the University of Utah in 1949. She taught Latin and math in the Tooele School District for four years before starting her family. She later became a social worker with the State of Utah Division of Family Services, where she worked for 24 years before retiring in 1990. A talented seamstress, Eleanor created beautiful wedding dresses, doll clothes, and even kilts. She loved bagpipe music and all things Scottish. She was a voracious reader, seldom without a book in her hand. She was strong and determined, which was especially evident in her later years as she fought back against a series of health challenges. Eleanor lived in her Taylorsville home for 55 years, surrounded by wonderful neighbors who helped to look after her following Joel's passing. The family would like to express appreciation to home health care and hospice, and Dr. Buys and the staff of Huntsman Cancer Institute. Friends and family may call on Friday, April 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm or on Saturday, April 5, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, at Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. A graveside service will follow at the same location at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.