Reta Walker

Reta Marie Walker

Our beloved mother Reta Marie Walker, 89 of Kirksville passed away Sunday (April 20, 2014) at Northeast Regional Medical Center after several years of declining health. Born on December 7, 1924 in western Adair County, the daughter of the late Issac M. and Fannie J. [Eitel] Novinger, Reta was united in marriage to Merle D. Walker on February 9, 1946 in Kirksville, MO.

Other survivors include two sons, Gerald D. Walker of Kirksville, and Randy L. Walker of Kirksville; one daughter, Connie E. Williams and husband Larry D. of Joplin, MO; two grandchildren, Matthew J. Williams and wife Sharon of Sheldon, MO and Dana M. Williams of Joplin, MO, and five great grandchildren.

Also surviving are three brothers, Col. Harry E. Novinger (USAF RET.) of Aurora, CO, Raymond H. Novinger of Shelbyville, MO and Gail H. Novinger of Kirksville; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant twin brothers, three brothers, Frank M. Novinger, Roy H. Novinger, and Murl E. Novinger, and one sister, Lela O. Waddil.

Reta was a 1944 graduate of LaPlata High School and met Merle after he returned home on leave from being wounded on the Anzio Beach Head in Italy during World War II. They married and moved to Iowa City, Iowa where she worked as a nurse’s aide while Merle attended the University of Iowa and earned a masters of Fine Arts degree in 1951. They moved their family to San Diego, CA in 1956 where Merle worked for General Dynamics as an Engineering/illustrator. After retiring they returned to Kirksville to be near family. She was happy to be a stay at home mother and was devoted to her family. She loved nature, gardening, her cats, singing birds and moonlit nights. We all loved her and will miss her deeply.

It was Reta’s wish to be cremated and a private burial will be in the family plot in Park View Memorial Gardens with no funeral. Arrangements under the direction of

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home

2100 E. Shepherd Ave.

Kirksville, MO 63501   660-665-2233