Lorene Black Walker

Lorene Black Walker, 98, passed away on April 2, 2010, at her home in Yakima, Washington.
She was born on July 27, 1911, on the family homestead near Hollene, New Mexico. During her early years, the family moved around New Mexico and West Texas to be near relatives, to find work, and land to farm. Lorene was the oldest of six children.
Later her mother taught school and Lorene finished high school. Soon after she attended a national 4-H Convention in Washington, D.C. There she received scholarship money and went on to a college degree.
While in college she met Carl Walker from Floyd, New Mexico. They were married in 1934. One son, Wesley, was born to them. Lorene told many stories over the years of the things they experienced during the Depression and also the Dust Bowl in the Southwest.
They moved to Yakima, Washington in 1948. Carl became an Engineer for the Soil Conservation Service and Lorene was the Home Agent in the Yakima County Extension Service. She accompanied Carl on a trip to Iran where he trained engineers in irrigation technology. They realized their love for travel and became involved with "Tour with a Mission" sponsored by the United Methodist Church. Through the years they led tour groups to over 88 countries, seeing many cultures and making many friends.
Lorene is survived by her husband in Yakima and their son, Dr. Wesley Walker and his wife, Karen; two grandsons, Jeffrey and Edward and his wife, Sandi, and six grandchidlren.
She was buried in Yakima. Carl is still in their home with daily care. He celebrates his 100th birthday on April 25.