Said goodbye to a wild and wonderful woman this week, my Grandma Walton.
Some of her learned advice:
-Life is too short not to have a donut (or a trip for ice cream).
-Why should you care what everyone else thinks?
-Life, like watercolors, sometimes takes courage!
You'll be missed, but your spirit has left such a mark, you're not likely to be forgotten (anyone who's met you can attest!). Dad, Aunt Betsy, Elaine, Barb, you had a pretty awesome Mom, and I'm blessed to have grown up with her around….Mariah E. Walton (Betty’s granddaughter)
Betty J. Walton (nee Nowlen) of Waukesha, WI formerly of Bushnell, IL and Green Valley, AZ died on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the age of 88. She was born in Clinton, IA on July 1, 1928 the daughter of James and Florence (nee Lange) Nowlen. On July 16, 1950, she married James C. Walton in Sycamore, IL; he preceded her in death on May 29, 2008.
Betty was a teacher. She taught her children, grandchildren, her children’s friends, her friends, all people, in all walks of life in many different ways. She was a long time substitute high school teacher in Bushnell, IL. and volunteered extensively always in a teaching capacity.
She will be remembered as a loving, generous women guided by her Christian faith. She lived life with joy, was committed to helping others and never met a stranger she didn’t want to talk to!
Betty and Jim vacationed for over 50 years at their cabin near Crystal Lake, Michigan. Prior to her husband’s passing, the last 20 years of their marriage were split between their home in Green Valley, AZ and their cabin in Michigan. For the past twelve years Betty made her home at Avalon Square in Waukesha where the administration and staff provided thoughtful care.
She will be missed sadly by her children Betsy (David Knutson) Walton of St. Paul, MN, John (Camille) Walton of El Paso, TX, Barbara (David) Patterson of Stoughton, WI and Elaine Walton of Racine, WI. Her nine grandchildren, her great grandchildren, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and many, many friends also will miss her presence in the world. She holds a special place in all our hearts.
Private services will be held for the family in Frankfort, MI.
Gifts in her memory may be made to Knox College, Ida M. Tarbel Award, 2 East South Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. Betty established this award for students interested in investigative journalism.