Margaret Walters

Margaret Elaine Walters, much loved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at La Posada - Mesilla Valley Hospice on the afternoon of Friday, August 2, 2013 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was born December 7, 1934 in Fresno, California to Carroll William and Alice Devore Westfall. In 1957 she married Edward E. Walters, with whom she raised three children.
Margaret served in public education for thirty-seven years as a teacher and administrator, and her generosity and compassion changed countless young lives. She taught elementary school in Helm, California and Seattle, Washington, and served as principal of Farwell Elementary School in Spokane from 1989 - 1997. Her commitment to education extended to her family, as she and her husband ensured that each of their children went to college and graduate school. A long time member of the Las Cruces Desert Writers, Margaret co-authored When the Lights Go on Again: A Young Person's View of Life on the Home Front During WWII, which won the Friends of Thomas Branigan Library Award for Best Children's Novel in 2011. Margaret is survived by her husband Edward of the family home; her son and his family, Mark and Ilene Walters and Aaron Moyse of San Diego, CA; her daughter and son-in-law, Alice and John Thompson of Wallkill, NY; her two brothers, William Westfall of Richmond, VA and James O. Westfall of San Diego, CA; and her sister, Sara Moss of Sacramento, CA. In 2006 Margaret and Edward lost their beloved, oldest son, Ira Walters.
At her request cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time. The Walters Family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Cancer Center of Memorial Medical Center for supporting her through her fight against cancer, and that of Mesilla Valley Hospice and La Posada, for comforting her and easing her transition. Our deepest thanks go to Margaret's surrogate daughter, Heidi Wagner, for her loving and unfailing support during her final years. Memorial donations may be made to the food bank, Casa de Peregrinos, 999 W. Amador Ave, Suite F, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222. For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com.