Mary Walton

Mary Elizabeth Lee Walton
November 23, 1930 - July 15, 2017
Mary Elizabeth Lee Walton, of Modesto, peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, July 15, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was 86. Born November 23, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, the only daughter of Edgar Sias Lee and Norma Irene Wight, she had 3 brothers, William, Douglas and Frederick Lee. Mary grew up in Midland, graduating from Midland High School and Stephens College in Columbia, MO. It was at the University of Michigan while she was pursing her nursing degree that Mary met her future husband, Dr. Robert G. Walton. The two were married in 1953 and moved to Modesto, California where they raised their six children.
Energetic businesswoman, generous giver, world traveler, instigator of so many things – that is a small way to sum up the fascinating life of Mary Elizabeth Lee Walton. Her spirit will be carried on by her immediate and extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Mary during her 86 years on earth. Among them: always enjoy the present company, women's equality is pertinent, sacrificing for the betterment of family is necessary, and ultimately how to make cinnamon rolls.
Mary was the co-owner of Passport to Travel for over 40 years and the founding investor in LWC Brands, Inc. With her husband, Mary worked tirelessly to promote the sport of polo. Even her home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was her special passion as she was a committed member of the Frank Lloyd Wright conservatory.
In addition to raising her family and tending to her businesses, Mary always gave generously of her time and treasure to civic organizations that needed her. Some of these included past President of the League of Women Voters, past President of the Omega Nu Sorority and past President, Founding and Charter Member of Escalon Rotary Club. She was also an alumni of Gamma Phi Beta.
"Who ate all the cinnamon rolls? We'll have to make more" was frequently heard in the Walton household. Mary was famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls which were made from her very own recipe. When the smell went out of the kitchen, everyone came running including all the neighbors. When they were gone, Mary made more.
Mary is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert G. Walton; her children, Betsy Walton of Pacific Palisades, CA, Rob Walton of Foothill Ranch, CA, Bil, Susan and Mary Alizon Walton of Dallas, TX and FD Walton of Modesto, CA; her grandchildren, Del, Madeleine, Will, Sophie and Ali; her brother, Frederick Lee and three great-grandchildren, David, Calhoun and Harrison Walton. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Douglas (1989) and William (2011) Lee.
The importance of Mary's profound effect on the lives of all she touched, particularly as a mother, innovator and women's rights advocate will be celebrated in a Party to Honor Mary on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at the Del Rio Country Club, 801 Stewart Rd., Modesto, CA 95356. The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 3 pm. Private burial will be at Knights Ferry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Mary's memory made to her favorite organizations: Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles, (supportpp-la.org), Community Hospice of Modesto (hospiceheart.org), Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club, Salvation Army Modesto and Polo Players Support Group, for severely injured players, (www.polosupport.com). Please sign our on-line guest or leave a memory there, at www.lee-ellenafuneralhome.com.
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