Gaila Ruth Walker, 88, of Winfield, formerly of Udall, Kansas, passed away Tuesday evening, July 2, 2013 at Winfield Rest Haven.

Born May 6, 1925 in Udall, Kansas, she was the daughter of Cecil Lee and Thelma Lizzie Morgan. She attended elementary school and graduated from Udall Rural High School in 1943. She attended Arkansas City Junior College in 1943 and received certification to teach school. She started teaching at Ninnescah country school.

Gaila married Donald Walker on May 24, 1945 in her parents home in Udall. The couple made their first home in a small house in Udall. They later lived with Don's parents on the farm and soon moved to their own farm. Gaila was very much a part of the farm life. She canned foods and always had a garden. She raised chickens and helped raise and milk the cattle. The couple had four children, Fonda, Mike, Melody and Scott. Gaila was a stay at home mom for many years until they bought a farm.

Her first job was for Jay & Lovelle McClure's Grocery in Udall. She later worked as a nurse aid for the Winfield Hospital. She had a Stanley Home Products business for several years. She returned to college where she obtained a degree from Cowley County Community College and in 1971 from Southwestern College to become a social worker. She retired in 1987 as Supervisor of Cowley County Social Services.

Gaila attended the Udall Congregational Church growing up and as a young mother. She changed her membership to the Methodist Church in the 1960's and continued to be active in Circle, Sunday School and Bible School and on several administrative offices of the church. When she and Don moved to Winfield, they joined First United Methodist Church and they participated with the senior group. She belonged to several ladies' social clubs, frequently serving as an officer. She and her husband also participated in the Square Dance Club with Udall friends. Gaila was active in the Udall community and served on the board to build a community building. She served on the Udall High School Alumni Boards and volunteered as a Newton Memorial Hospital Pink Lady.

Her family includes:
Her children: Fonda Lafrenz of Hiawatha, KS; Mike Walker and wife, Nancy Anne of Towanda, KS; Melody Smith and husband, Art of Winfield; and Scott Walker and wife, Cathy of Derby;
Her sister: Jessie Hatfield and husband, Jesse of Black Diamond, WA; and Beth Evans and husband, Clifford of Udall;
Her 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and
Several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, her son-in-law, Richard Franzen, Granddaughter Franzen.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Udall United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Udall Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Sunday afternoon from 3 to 7 P.M. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Gaila's name for the Udall United Methodist Church, the American Diabetes Association and Rivercross Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.