Obituary of Barbara June Walker

Barbara June Walker (76) resident of St. Maries, ID died peacefully in her sleep on August 6, 2016 at her home in St. Maries. She was born Dec. 25, 1939 to Ralph and Grace (Shupe) Edwards at Montrose, IL. Barbara grew up in Southern Idaho and Central Montana, where ever her father’s work took the family. Her family was living in Wendell, ID when she left school to go to work as a book keeper. She went back to school and finished her high school education in the early 1960’s. Barbara married James Walker in 1962 in Boise, ID. They made their home in Boise and Kirkland, WA. Her husband died in 1970. The following year, Barbara attended and graduated from Kinman Business School in Spokane, WA. Barbara moved to St. Maries in 1972 and went to work for Benewah Motors as a book keeper. In 1992, Barbara suffered a stroke and retired. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing and going bowling. She was a member of the St. Maries Chapter of TOPS. Barbara is survived by her brothers Ronald Edwards of Chehalis, WA, and Thomas Edwards of Pullman, WA. and sisters Rochelle “Shelly” Skillman of Spokane Valley, WA and Patricia Jones of Malad City, ID. She and her husband never had any children, but she helped raise her brother’s children Brook and Shawn Edwards who are among the numerous nieces and nephews surviving. Barbara was preceded in death by brothers James, Donald, Delmar and John Edwards and sister Connie Vogel. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date and time to be published in the Gazette Record and on her online memorial at www.hodgefuneralhome.com