Helen Walker, 87, left the shadows for real life on September 12, 2012, at the Lutheran Home of The Good Shepherd, her home for the past nine years.

     A lifelong resident of Watford City, North Dakota, Helen Mary Walker was born the youngest child of homesteaders Helen and Jacob Chernenko at the family farm near Grassy Butte, North Dakota on March 27, 1925.  She was raised in the Grassy Butte area and attended country school. Helen grew up poor and a hard worker like most families during the depression.

     Helen Walker was united in marriage to Elwyn Earl Walker at Grassy Butte, ND in June of 1950.  The couple farmed near Grassy Butte and later moved to Miles City, MT.  She later moved back to the family farm.  In 1969, Helen moved to Watford City, ND.  Helen worked for many years at Mable’s café and later at Larry’s Cafe.  In 1988, Helen began working as the resident manager at Heritage Manor in Watford City.  She later assisted at the Watford City Senior Citizen’s Center dining room and kitchen until she entered the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in 2003, in New Rockford, ND.

     Helen enjoyed gardening, canning, dancing, music, and embroidery (fancy work).  Helen took pleasure in embroidering gifts for her family to treasure. Helen enjoyed time spent playing games with family and friends, although she claimed to not to be good at games she always played and had a good time.  She especially enjoyed Bingo and Skip-Bo. Helen was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Watford City.

     She is survived by her son, Frank (Georgianna) Walker of New Rockford, ND, her daughter Fern (Mac) Danielson of Twin Falls, ID, and her daughter Bonnie (Tim) Grotte of Watford City, ND; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

    She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four brothers, Prince, George, (infant) Frank, and Alec; five sisters, Ann Warner, Elizabeth Brown, Mary Sterling, Leona Chapados, (infant) Alice; and one grandson, Derek Grotte.

     Thanks to the compassionate staff at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd for the last part of her journey. Your kindness and smiles will never be forgotten.

SERVICE: Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd Chapel, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 2:00PM

BURIAL: (Cemetery choice pending)