Audrey June Walker

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Audrey June (Forgey) Walker, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Though she spent the last nine years of her life in Arizona, Audrey's heart always remained in South Dakota, where she lived the majority of her life and made her most cherished memories.

Born in Long Pine, Nebraska, on December 18, 1932, to Findley and Bertha (Forsch) Forgey, Audrey was raised in the country, where she learned the value of hard work, faith, and family alongside her siblings. She graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1951.

During her first year of college, fate stepped in when Audrey met the love of her life, Jim "LeRoy" Walker, who fixed her camera in exchange for a kiss. They were married on November 28, 1952, beginning a life together filled with love and laughter that lasted nearly 50 years before Jim's passing in 2002.

Together, they raised three children: Cindy June (1954), Randy James (1956), and Kelli Patrice (1968), all of whom were the pride and joy of Audrey's life.

Audrey loved being a teacher. She began her career in a one-room schoolhouse and spent over 30 years nurturing young minds. She and Jim taught in Fort Pierre, Brookings, and Miller before making their forever home in Platte. She also enjoyed drawing, but her greatest joys came from her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her daughter, Cindy; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Walker; great-grandson, Josue Tellez-Travis; her parents, Findley and Bertha; seven brothers, Joe, Glenn, Russ, Sam, Jim, John, and Charlie Forgey; and two sisters, Pearl Forgey and Hazel Williams.

Audrey is survived by her son, Randy (Gerry) Walker of Fountain Hills, AZ, and her daughter, Kelli Travis, also of Fountain Hills, AZ. She leaves behind ten grandchildren: Dori Boysen (John), Parker Severson, Levi Walker (Holly), Dustin Walker (Chelsey), Tyler Walker, Rowdi Walker, Kennedi Travis, Madison Travis, Leah Wildeman, and Adam Wildeman; and fourteen great-grandchildren: Robert, Dalton, Tenli, Joey, Zach, Kendall, Brynlie, Mya, Berkley, Quinn, Decklin, Hudson, Hoven, and Anthony. She is also survived by her sister, Lona Libolt (Jack) of Oregon; her very special puppy, Bailie; and many nephews, nieces, and extended family.

Funeral services for Audrey (Forgey) Walker, age 92, of Scottsdale, AZ, formerly of Platte, SD, were held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Olive Presbyterian Church in Platte, SD, with Joe Tegethoff officiating. A prayer service was held on Friday night at 7 pm at the church with visitation from 6-7 pm.

Music was provided by Vicki Erickson, pianist.

Soloist Alison Dykstra sang "Amazing Grace" and "One Day at a Time."

Congregational hymns were "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and "On the Wings of a Dove."

Recorded music was "Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through the Goal Post of Life)" by Bobby Bare and "Me and Jesus (Got a Good Thing Going)" by Tom T. Hall.

Dori Boysen, Kennedi Travis, and Madison Travis were in charge of registration.

Flower attendants were Holly Walker, Chelsey Walker, and Leah Wildeman.

Casket Bearers were Parker DJ Severson, Levi Walker, Dustin Walker, Tyler Walker, Rowdi Walker, Adam Wildeman, John Boysen, and Ross Timmerman.

Interment was in the Platte City Cemetery, Platte, SD.