Margaret Ruth Walker

Portrait of Margaret Ruth Walker Headstone Photograph Headstone Photograph

Full Name: Margaret Ruth Walker
Location: Section:Monument Hill, Section 1 (H1)
Row:S  Number:22
Reason for Eligibility: Wife of Ernest W. Walker 
Birth Date: November 24, 1925 
Died: December 21, 2020 
Burial Date: December 28, 2020 
 

WALKER, MARGARET RUTH (1925 ~ 2020). The following is an obituary for Margaret Walker, spouse of former University of Texas finance Professor Ernest W. Walker. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Austin. 

Margaret Marshall Walker passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at the age of 95, in her Austin, Texas home. She was a member of the “greatest generation” and a woman of quiet dignity. Margaret made those around her into better people. Her husband of more than 60 years, Dr. Ernest Walker (deceased April 2, 2010) accomplished much in his life, none of which would have been possible without her support. She was born in Princeton, Indiana on November 24, 1925 to Thomas H. Marshall and Eledith Elliott Marshall of Albion, Illinois. At 10 years of age, they moved to Fairfield, Illinois. Margaret proudly considered herself a Fairfield “girl” and traveled back there many times to see friends and family. She graduated from Fairfield Community High School, then Lindenwood University in St. Louis (where her mother also attended). During college, she spent a summer studying in Mexico City, during which time she celebrated VE day.

After graduating, Margaret wrote several universities and accepted a position to teach Spanish and attend graduate school at the University of Mississippi. At Ole Miss, she met another student, Ernest Walker, a recent World War II veteran; they married in June 1949 at the First United Methodist Church of Fairfield. They spent over sixty devoted years together. Their son, Marshall, was born during their three-year stay at Drake University, and in 1954 they came to the University of Texas. As Ernest's career skyrocketed, Margaret edited all of his books and articles, and took a prominent role in Austin society. Their daughter Eledith was born in 1962. Margaret was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, the Austin Woman's Club (President 1977–1979), the Women's Symphony League of Austin, the Austin Genealogical Society, the Heritage Guild and Heritage Society for Austin, the Texas Fine Arts Association, the University Ladies Club, the Settlement Club (where she loved being in the Boutique Department), and the Austin Country Club, in addition to being a member of their supper club for over 50 years. She served in leadership positions with many of these organizations and was listed in Who Who’s of America.

All her life, Margaret exhibited a keen sense of intellectual curiosity and was always excited to share her knowledge and expertise with others. Her interests included travel, antiques and other collectibles, and genealogy. Margaret was a world traveler and by her count had visited 92 countries. Her love of genealogy was also shared by her mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as the Daughters of the Union, Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Colonial Dames. Her extensive collection of handmade chess sets led to her long membership in the Chess Collectors International.

She was a lifelong Christian and a member of both Methodist and Baptist churches. She is survived by her son Marshall (Debra) of Key Largo, Florida, daughter Eledith (Michael) Falk of Austin, grandchildren Mary (Paul) Marshall, Daniel Walker, Katherine Falk, Cooper Falk, and one great-grandson, Ryder Marshall. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, graveside services will be held at the Texas State Cemetery on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 1pm. Memorial contributions may be made to The Settlement Club.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Additional Multimedia Files To Download:

#16771) Title:Back of Walker Stone
Source:Cemetery Photographer
Description:Back of Walker Stone

#16772) Title:Front of Walker Stone
Source:Cemetery Photographer
Description:Front of Walker Stone

 

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