Viola Jean Walker

Viola Jean Walker Viola entered her Heavenly home peacefully on November 1, 2021 at the age of 81. Viola was born on July 11, 1940 in Artesia, CA to Cornie (Cotton) & Emma Bouma. She grew up on a dairy with her two younger brothers, Cliff & Darrell Bouma, who lovingly referred to her as "Sissero." She attended Bellflower Christian Schools and Graduated in 1958. She was active in Choir, Glee Club, Student Council Class President, Girls Athletic Club President, and played catcher on the girls softball team. After High School she attended Cerritos College where she was taking classes to become a teacher. Little did she know that the tall, dark, handsome, neighbor guy across the street, with the cool car had his eye on her. He asked her out, and of course, she couldn't say no. He swept her off her feet, which didn't take much, as she was only 5'4 and Dale was 6'7. So she traded in her college degree for her M.R.S. degree instead. Dale and Viola were married on November 30, 1960, in Artesia, CA and held their wedding reception at Knotts Berry Farm. She was a devoted wife and they celebrated their 50th anniversary before Dale passed away in January 14, 2011. They were blessed with two children, Connie and Ken, who were fortunate to live with grandparents as neighbors on each side. They sold railroad ties to dairyman in the valley for fencing and landscaping. They were members of the Artesia Christian Reformed Church where Viola was active in teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and was a Girls Calvinette counselor for many years. In March of 1975 they moved their business, "Walker Railroad Ties" to Chino, CA. Viola wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and worked right alongside Dale sorting and lifting the ties into trucks and trailers. In her spare time she loved to bake, play the piano, enjoyed crafting, making flower arrangements, Bible study, bowling, and served on the Salem Christian School committee for many years. There was always a pot of coffee on as well as dutch goodies and doughnuts on display for everyone who stopped in. Her home was always open to everyone. They retired in 2000 and moved to Visalia, CA to be close to family. She enjoyed their many family vacations at the Big Bear Lake Cabins where she enjoyed cooking a huge breakfast for everyone that came back from their morning fishing. She also loved the family fishing tournaments. She also enjoyed her family vacations to Hawaii, The Bahama's, cruising Mexico and weekend trips to Huntington Beach as well as beach trips with her friends. There she continued her passion of Ladies Bowling league and Bible Study groups. She attended Visalia First Assembly and Tulare Church of Christ. In 2005, they moved to Sierra Village Retirement Community where she has been involved in the Sierra Village auxillary for many years and was known as the "hostess with the mostest." She has enjoyed planning and hosting many events over the years and spent hours using her talent of decorating for them as well, including every holiday, with Christmas being her favorite. Everyone who knew her, knew she loved to throw a good party. She loved singing, playing the piano, playing hours of cards, domino's, board games and enjoyed coffee/tea time with her cherished friends that she loved so very much! Her Christian faith and unconditional love and devotion to so many will be her legacy, as she shared her many gifts of gentle grace, words of wisdom and prayers, with so many. With her warm, giving heart she always put others first, made everyone feel special and welcomed everyone with a smile. She would go out of her way to talk to someone and was always eager to offer advice, or share a funny joke, if she thought you needed a good laugh. It came so naturally to her as she always saw the best in everyone. She truly had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her. Her family was everything to her! She was the best, most loving, giving Mom and Grandma we could ever ask for and she truly loved her family! Especially her Grandchildren, Trevor Bangma (Megan), Tiffany Grilione (Blake), Alyssa Shaw (Cody), Kaitlyn Walker, Blake Walker, David Allred, all who lovingly referred to her as "G-ma." She was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did. She even rode all the fast rides with them at Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. Her most recent joys the last couple of years were attending her grandchildren's weddings and following her grandsons' college football games and the births of her 3 Great Granddaughters, Charlotte, Blakesly and Jenna. Viola is survived by her Daughter, Connie (Sam) Bangma, Son, Ken (Joanne) Walker, 9 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grand daughters and Brother, Darrell Bouma. Visitation- Monday, November 15 from 4:00-6:00 at Salser and Dillard. Celebration of Life- November 16 at 10:30 at Visalia First Assembly Church-3737 S. Akers St. Visalia Luncheon to immediately follow at "The Woodlands" 4211 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Viola's memory to Sierra Village-One Molenstraat, Visalia CA 93277 Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Viola Jean Walker

July 11, 1940 - November 1, 2021