Rita C. Walker

Rita C. Walker, born on March 2, 1928, in St. Paul, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. In her 97 years, Rita lived a life rich with love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to both her family and her community. Her warmth, strength, and generosity touched all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rita was a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and loving home for her family. Her culinary talents—particularly her famous baking—filled her house with the irresistible aroma of freshly made treats, a tradition cherished by family and friends. Her hands also created treasured gifts through sewing, knitting, and crocheting, many passed down through generations, each stitch a symbol of her love. Rita enjoyed reading, playing computer card games, Mexican Train Dominoes, and cultivating her African violets, which provided relaxation and entertainment throughout her later life.

Rita’s love for her family was matched by her passion for serving her community, where she gave her time and talents tirelessly. She volunteered as a docent at local museums for many years, sharing her passion for art and culture, and also volunteered at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, where she brightened many lives. Rita had a unique gift for making friends wherever she went and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Rita also volunteered her time with Our Lady’s Rosary Makers, an organization especially close to her heart. She helped craft countless rosaries that were sent to communities worldwide, particularly in Africa, offering not only a symbol of prayer but a tangible reminder of the care and kindness she shared. Affectionately known as a “mom to many,” she offered love, stability, and support to countless “adopted” adult children who found a second home in her embrace. Whether taking part-time jobs or simply offering a helping hand, Rita always thought of others’ needs before herself.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Rita is survived by her children: Lawrence J. Walker Jr. (Terri), Mary Jo Walker, John F. Walker, and Timothy M. Walker. Her love lives on through her grandchildren: Daniel Mitchell Walker (Shannon), Amy Elizabeth Walker, Josh Ballinger Walker (Karlita), and her great-grandson, Jerry Emmons III. She is also survived by her sister, Martha (David) Rustad, with whom she shared a special bond, and her sister-in-law, Carol Cunningham, with whom she enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Rita is fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and friends who brought joy and companionship throughout her life. Her loving spirit and unwavering strength touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the countless cherished memories she created with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Timothy Michael Cunningham and Marguerite Elizabeth (Beyer) Cunningham, and by her husband of 48 years, Lawrence J. Walker Sr., with whom she shared a deep and enduring partnership. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Josephine Cunningham (infant), Timothy Cunningham, Richard Cunningham, Mary Noack, and Dorothy Dunnigan.

Though Rita’s passing marks the end of an era, her remarkable spirit lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in the profound impact she made, the treasured memories they hold dear, and the knowledge that her love, wisdom, and compassion will continue to guide them for generations to come.

A funeral Mass for Rita will be held on January 21, 2026, at Santa Maria de la Paz. The rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral Mass. Interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery, with a reception following at Santa Maria de la Paz Parish Hall.