Katheryn Homan Walden

Katheryn Homan Walden of Coralville, Iowa, died Sunday, April 7, 2024, at University Hospital in Iowa City following a heart attack. She had turned 93 on March 21.

Katheryn spent most of her life in Benton, Arkansas, where she married Gene Walden in 1951 and raised three daughters. She graduated from Benton High School and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

She moved to Coralville in 2012 following Gene's death. There she joined the University Club, playing bunco and learning poker. She had an amazing view of Brown Deer Golf Course outdoors and enjoyed watching the golfers from her balcony unless their language was inappropriate. She also enjoyed Facebook, where she followed the daily activities of her Arkansas friends and family and Niloak pottery news. She remained famous for her baked desserts, immaculate old-school handwriting, and affection for a cold Diet Coke over crushed ice. She was witty and very Southern.

She is survived by her brother, Jack (Jacquelyn) Homan and a stepsister, Jonell Homan of Benton, Arkansas; two stepbrothers, Bill Wilson of Rossland, British Columbia, and Robert Homan, of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Her daughter, Kathy Walden lives in Santa Rosa, California. A daughter and son-in-law, Patti Walden and Siroos Shirazi, M.D., brought her to Iowa City and enjoyed being in her life. Her youngest daughter, Jeanni Walden Eckel, died in 2010. Her grandchildren are Katheryn Franko (Brian) and Margaret Allen of Des Moines, Iowa and Rory Eckel of Lubbock, Texas. Kate and Brian's daughter, Evelyn is her only great grandchild. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton.

A celebration of life reception for Katheryn in Coralville will be announced. Memorials in her honor may be made to CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank at 1121 South Gilbert Court, Iowa City, Iowa 52240.