Mary Walter Obituary

Walter, Mary

Mary Walter of Bozeman, Montana passed away peacefully January 6, 2015, at the age of 98 ½. Mary was born May 4, 1916 in Elmira, NY to Donald and Marie Hawkes. She grew up in Elmira, graduating from Elmira Free Academy and then Elmira College with a degree in Biology. She then moved to Geneva, NY, where she met William G. Walter. The two were married in 1941 and moved to Bozeman in 1942, where William was a professor at Montana State University for 38 years. Together they raised four sons. Mary was very active at Bozeman United Methodist Church, was an honorary member of Kappa Delta sorority, and president of the American Association of University Women. She was also a volunteer at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and a member of P.E.O. She enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, and gardening. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Walter, Sr.; sons, William Walter and James Walter; and two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include her sons, Richard (Leiola) Walter of Pomona, CA and John (Dianne) Walter of Danville, CA; daughter-in-law, Ginger Walter of Portland, OR; and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, 113 S. Willson Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715. Donations in Mary's name may be made to the William and Mary Walter Scholarship Fund, c/o MSU Alumni Foundation, Attn: Sandi Rummel, PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717-2750. Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com

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Published by Star-Gazette on Jan. 8, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Walter

9 Entries

Dorothy bradley

January 19, 2015

I loved Mary in our youth, and ever more so in our adulthood. When she invited me for lunch at Aspen Pointe it was like a grand party. May we all adopt and carry on her joyous and generous spirit. Many a time it kept me smiling for days. Love to the family -- you were her pride and joy, of course, as well as the world's best children.

Marjorie Burgan

January 13, 2015

Dear Rich & John & Ginger & your families,
Your Dad & Mom were special friends for my husband, David, & me. David had your Dad as a professor at MSU and we reconnected at a "Booster Breakfast" in the early 1970's when we moved back to Montana! We saw them frequently at football game times, at the breakfasts or going out to dinner the night before home games...for many many years...well, we even took your Mom out when we came over after your Dad died...up until last year, when I no longer drove over from Western MT after my husband died!!
What a quick mind Mary had, always upbeat, & she did not let her macular degeneration slow her one bit!! It's amazing to me that she even continued to play golf when she couldn't see where the ball had gone!!
I'm in Arizona for the winter, but if I'm able I will be at Mary's Memorial Service!
Please accept my Sincere Sympathy, you will all miss Mary very much.
Marj Burgan

January 13, 2015

Dear John, Rich, Dianne, Lo, Ginger, and children,
We so very much loved Aunt Mary(twin sister of our late father, William Howell Hawkes). We were always so excited to visit The Walter Boys and Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill. Aunt Mary's beautiful spirit and warmth lighted the lives of all she knew. She was a great Lady and will be sorely missed.
With much love,
Mary, Connie, Howie, and Toni

Carolyn Boyd

January 11, 2015

Richard and John - Your mom gave me my very first job - ironing for the 5 men who lived at your house in the days before permanent press. I came every Saturday morning. She was sweet and kind to me and gave me a good start in the world of work. I loved her smile and how she kept track of me as I grew up. We were lucky to have such fine adults in our lives.

Sharon Tudor Isler

January 8, 2015

Our thoughts are with you Richard, Leiola, John, Dianne and Ginger. I so admired Mary, and will miss her sweet smile. Always loved her hats in church! What a lady! She had a wonderful life and was so proud of all her children and grandchildren. Bless you all.

Mark Warfield

January 8, 2015

What a sweet, sweet lady. We lived in the same neighborhood and ran around with all the Walter boys, but mostly with John, a great friend to this day. Mary was always so kind and pleasant, I ate plenty of meals at their home, & was never made to feel like I was intruding or was not welcome there. She was affectionately called " Hazel" by her sons & was teased often by a houseful of boys which she endured good naturedly.
During their traveling days after the kids were grown, Dr. and Mrs. Walter would call us when in Billings and often take Mary Claire and I out to dinner. Just a lovely lady and you always felt better after being around Mary.

January 8, 2015

One of the kindest women I've ever known. Mrs. Walter lived a life where she touched everyone she met--one we should all aspire to.

Bookie West

January 8, 2015

What a sincere, dedicated, person to her God, family and friends.
We shall miss her when we are in Bozeman next.
Bookie and Marc West

ginger lee

January 7, 2015

Fare Well, Mary. I always looked forward to taking you outside for our walks. Your smile would always brighten the day for me. Bless you and thank you for the time we had together.

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