Arlene M. (Tracy) Walker, 73

On Jan. 18, 2011, Arlene M. (Tracy) Walker of Whitefish passed away at her home after a brief fight with cancer. Robert Walker, her husband of 37 years, was at her side, along with her sons. 

Arlene was born on Sept. 24, 1937, in Livingston.

She graduated from Park County High School in Livingston in 1955 and married Bozeman native Rudolf W. Nelson on Nov. 16, 1956.

Arlene was a telephone operator for Mountain States Telephone from 1955 to 1960. While raising three sons, she also worked for Miller’s Jewelers and Singer Company in Bozeman.

On April 26, 1974, she married Robert B. Walker of Columbia Falls. They moved to Whitefish, where they resided for the duration of her life.

 Arlene will be remembered for her devotion to God, family and friends. She was an active member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. Those that know Arlene will know that her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchild were the joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elza Willis Tracy, and mother, Nadean Mardell Caldwell Stipp.  She is survived by her husband, Robert; sons, Gregory Nelson of Las Vegas, Robert Nelson and family of Olney, Md., and John Nelson of Livingston; two sisters, Pamela A. Putnam and Laura M. Nicholson, both of Livingston; a brother, James L. Stipp, of Bonny Lake, Wash.; five grandchildren; one great- grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway in Whitefish.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Christ Lutheran Church, your local hospice care, or to the charity of your choice.