Edna Helen (Shull) Walker

1914 - 2011

Edna Helen (Paul) (Shull) Walker, long-time resident of Edmonds, Washington since 1948, died peacefully on March 1, 2011 at Cashmere Convalescent Center in Cashmere, WA. She was 96 years old. Edna was born on June 22, 1914 in Trochu, Alberta, Canada to John H. Paul and Jean E. Schnebly. John and Jean were dry farmers in Trochu, homesteading over 200 acres. They moved to the Kittitas valley in Ellensburg, Washington in the early 1920's. Edna graduated from Kittitas High School in 1932. She went on to college at Central Washington University.

Edna married Jack L. Shull, also a Kittitas High School graduate on November 17, 1937 in Ellensburg. They had two sons together, Fred W. Shull and Jerry P. Shull. Jack tragically died in a fishing accident on June 9, 1946.

Edna remarried Merle E. Walker of Richmond Beach, WA on March 15, 1948 at Grace Community Church in Boulder City, Nevada. They moved to Edmonds that same year. Edna and Merle had one son together, Jim K. Walker. The family was long-time members of the Edmonds community and the Edmonds Methodist Church. While raising her three sons, Edna did volunteer work. She spent many years working at the South Snohomish County food bank.

She and Merle spent wonderful times in Edmonds with their children and grandchildren going to school and sporting events. In their later years they really enjoyed travel and golf.

Edna was preceded in death by her three brothers, Philip H. Paul, John "Junie" L. Paul, and Robert "Judge" C. Paul all ranchers in the Kittitas valley.

She is survived by her sister, Margorie "Tiny" J. Burke, who lives in Ellensburg; her 3 sons: Fred (Ann) and Jerry (Linda) Shull and Jim (Tana) Walker; 8 grandchildren: Jack R. Shull, Maria (Shull) Alvord, Stacey (Shull) Pedersen, Jennifer (Shull) Niesz, Grant C. Walker, Rhett W. Walker, Autumn M. Walker and McKenzie L. Walker; and 2 step-grandchildren Bradley D. Blair and Michael A. Blair; 9 great-grandchildren: Haley A. Niesz, Jack W. Shull, Benjamin "Ben" E. Niesz, Julia M. Shull, Elizabeth "Ellie" R. Shull, Sophia L. Alvord, Einar C. Pedersen, Ava R. Alvord and Lilly A. Pedersen; and 2 step-great-grandchildren: Jacob D. and Jordon E. Blair. She is also survived by 25 nieces and nephews; and Barbara Shull.

Edna lived a wonderful life. Her later years were spent on Whidbey Island with her youngest son Jim and his family. They took wonderful care of Edna for six years. In September of 2010 Edna moved to Leavenworth to be with Fred and his wife Ann. She was a tremendous example to all of the family and the world. She taught us that the secret to a truly happy life was to have a great full heart. A heart that focuses on the many positive things and people we have in our lives. She also showed us how a positive attitude and a good work ethic can be your best friend. She will be missed but her example lives on.

A Memorial service in Edna's honor will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 Fifth Ave. S, Edmonds, WA 98020, at 1PM. Edna will be laid to rest in the family plot at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery in a private family ceremony. All memorials can be sent in Edna's name to the Carol Rowe Memorial Food Bank c/o Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Casper St., Edmonds, WA 98020.