Twilla May Walker

Twilla Walker, 84, passed away March 10 at her home in Polson. She was born in Polson, MT on May 19, 1931, the youngest child of John and Bertha Ober.

She spent her early life in Dayton, meeting her first husband, Hugh Fleming, at the Dayton store. They married and moved to various homes around Montana, as Hugh worked assorted jobs for the next few years. As well as gaining a husband, Twilla gained his two children, Judy and Hugh Norman. They were followed by the birth of Patricia and John. Hugh was killed on March 26, 1956, leaving Twilla at age 25 with four children, and expecting her fifth, Leona. Twilla moved back to Dayton for a brief time to be close to family. She settled in Polson where she bought the family home in what was called Grand View area of town.

Twilla met and became reacquainted with a family friend, Sidney Walker. They married, and the family grew with the birth of Jean, Dann, Todd and finally, Lori. As well as raising her large brood, Twilla was instrumental in growing the cherry orchard started by Ben and Sid Walker on the homestead on the westshore of Flathead Lake near Big Arm.

Before the final Walker baby was born, Twilla became a grandmother to the first of many beloved grandchildren. That number grew, and her great-grandchildren are increasing to this day.

Twilla was loving and supportive of Sid, assisting in his passions of hunting, going for Sunday drives throughout Montana. She occasionally went further to visit family in other states. She loved her sisters, and took charge of organizing get-togethers, and driving them after they needed rides due to age. HER passion was to attend yard and garage sales. Nothing made her happier than to find a treasure she could bring home.

She drove Sid to and from Missoula for cancer treatment for five years, losing him after a long battle with leukemia on July 4, 2002.

Twilla was very well known for her quick wit as well as her deep maternal nature. She was known for loving everyone, practically adopting strays in her home town. She didn't let go of the family exes, remaining close to those who dropped out of the family, but not out of her heart.

Mom lost her high energy and good health three years ago, finally being diagnosed with a long list of serious medical problems.

She fought hard to stay home and was able to do so, still able to go to family outings, just at a reduced length of time. Although she was tired, she still enjoyed the beauty of the area to her last day.

As well as her large family, she loved the Lord, her church family, and neighbors and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and four older sisters, as well as two husbands.

She is survived by one sister, Grace Hartsoch of Polson, children, Judy Millard (Bruce) in Minnesota, Hugh Fleming (Connie) in Ohio, Patti (Denny) near Three Forks, John (Julie) in Texas, Leona (Joe) in Arizona, Jean (Dave) in Kila, Lori (Chad), Dann, and Todd, all in Polson; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; she is also survived by... dear friends Leada Hutchison, Joyce Town, and all of her friends at Polson Alliance Church.

There will be an inurnment at Lake View Cemetery in Polson, Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 AM, followed by a reception at the Polson Alliance Church. A memorial service is planned for later this summer.
Read Twilla Walker's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.