Cecil M. Walker

Cecil M. Walker was born in Talmage, Nebraska, July 31, 1915, the daughter of Clifford and Elizabeth Mehaffey Cade. When she was two months old the family moved to Griswald, Iowa. At Age 4, Cecil moved to Harlan, Iowa, and made her home with a great aunt where she was raised and received her education, graduating from Harlan High School with the class of 1933. Following high school, Cecil was employed in Harlan as an operator for the Iowa State Telephone Company from 1933 until 1936. On October 12, 1936, Cecil was united in marriage with Wyllis R. Walker in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their union was blessed with two children, Richard and Mary. They made their home with Wyllis? parents until moving to Denison in the fall of 1937. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Cecil was an Avon Representative for over forty years. Wyllis died November 22, 1979 and Cecil continued to make her home in Denison where she was an active member of the community. While residing in Harlan she had been baptized and was a member of the United Methodist Church and their Edith League and, after moving to Denison, she became a member of the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Other memberships she enjoyed include the Rebekah Lodge when it was in existence in Denison, American Cancer Society, Red Hat Society and she had been a member since 1940 of both the Crawford County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. She was happiest when she was socializing with family and friends and in her spare time enjoyed antiques, collecting old music boxes and the refinishing of five player pianos. In 2000, Cecil moved to the Fountain West Health Care Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, and it was there her death occurred Tuesday, September 1, 2009. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 94 years and 1 month. Those preceding Cecil in death include her parents, Clifford Cade and Elizabeth Cade Jensen, husband, Wyllis Walker, sister, Thelma Heflin, one great grandson, Christian Walker and life long friend, Alice Hillhouse. Those remaining to cherish her memory include her son, Richard Walker and wife, Emily of Norfolk, Virginia, her daughter, Mary and husband, Galen Ahrenholtz of Clive, Iowa, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church, Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. Alberta Ervin officiating. Music was provided by Nancy Miles playing three organ solos, "How Great Thou Art", "I Believe" and "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra- Loo-Ral". Pallbearers included Ronald Roundy, Patrick Hayes, Galen Ahrenholtz, Richard Walker, Mark Walker, David Walker and Dennis Heflin. Interment was at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009, at the Carson Cemetery in Carson, Iowa. Immediately following the church services the family invited all in attendance to join them in the fellowship hall for a time of sharing and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Methodist Women. Memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.