Anna Louise Walker, 85

Anna Louise Peterson Walker, 85, of Salt Lake City, died in the home of her son, Eric Walker, on Nov. 20, 2017.

Known for most of her adult life as “Louise,” she blessed the lives of countless people by her matchless energy and positive attitude. Her family recalls with love the many times she repeated the words of her parents with absolute confidence: “Don’t worry, we can work it out.” As a mother, grandmother, teacher and missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Louise proved her faith by action. Louise was the last child born to Mary Alvey Peterson and Erik Hilmer Peterson in Duchesne, Utah, on Aug. 21, 1932. When Louise was a child, she helped her parents run their flour mills in the Uintah Basin, as well as a grocery store, an apartment building and other businesses. After graduating from L.D.S. Business College in 1950, Louise married Don Clifford Walker on March 28, 1952. True to her nature, Louise filled her life with activities, owning and managing the “Tots and Teens” store on Main Street in Vernal, Utah, teaching elementary and middle school in Glendive and Kalispell, writing a book on nutrition, teaching seminary and organizing communications workshops for youth and families. Don and Louise also owned the Vacationer Motel in Kalispell, and Cedar Bay Lodge rustic resort on Swan Lake near Bigfork.

Louise enjoyed reading, swimming and taking her family on outdoor adventures. Louise prized self-improvement and talent development. Family reunions always included talent shows. Don and Louise were sealed with their children in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, Temple in 1966. In 2007, she served an 18-month full-time mission for the Salt Lake City Family Search mission. In her final years, she shared her love and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ as a part-time service missionary, giving tours in the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City.

Anna Louise was predeceased by her husband, Don Clifford Walker, in February of 2007; and two of her children, Sam Don Walker (1952) and Wade C. Walker (2007); as well as her eight siblings, Stanley, Myrle, Lynn, Dean, Robert, Jay, Maxine and Maurine.

She is survived by two of her children, Shelli Dawn Walker Nye of Philadelphia, and Eric Clay Walker of Alpine, Utah; a daughter-in-law Ronda (Remington) Walker, and her niece, Vickie Gene Peterson Despain. A special thanks to Vicki, whom Anna Louise loved as a daughter, and who helped provide extended care for Anna Louise in the final months of her life. Anna Louise is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her family will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A Street in Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. The graveside dedication will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.