Irene Walker
Irene Kenna Walker, 82, of Topeka, died Dec. 9, 2004.
She was born March 14, 1922, in Beaver County, Okla.
She graduated from Hepler High School in 1940 and attended Neosho County Community College. She had a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University and two master's in education degrees from Washburn University.
She was a devoted grade school teacher for 30 years, first in Chanute, then in USD 501 in Topeka.
In 1942, she married Ben Walker. He died in 1972.
She was an avid walker and participated in events throughout Kansas and Missouri. She always walked her age the week of her birthday, last walking 80 miles in 2002.
In retirement, she also enjoyed traveling, visiting her family, and pursuing genealogy research.
Survivors include two sons, Steven Walker of Fresno, Calif., and Gregg and Betsy Walker of Hillsboro; two brothers, Emory Pitzer of Bartlesville, Okla., and George Pitzer of Pittsburg; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at First Baptist Church, Topeka, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.
Memorial funds have been established with KTWU, the American Cancer Society, or Washburn University Educational Scholarship Fund.
