Kathy Lynne Walker

Published 8:50 am Monday, March 19, 2018

July 12, 1968 – Jan. 26, 2018

Kathy Lynne Walker was born in White Settlement, Texas, the firstborn child of Larry John and Penny Lynne Walker.

Kathy was very outgoing, vivacious and active since childhood. Her interests and talents included music, writing poetry and sports. She won a poetry contest in grade school and performed vocal solos at several church events. She was a cheerleader in high school and college.

Since her father was a minister subject to transfer, the family moved several times during Kathy’s childhood; to Denver, Colorado, in 1970; to Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1974; to Portland, in 1976; to Eugene, in 1977. Her mother died in 1980, following a relapse of health problems that began in 1975. Her father remarried in 1981 and the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1982. After graduation from high school, Kathy attended college in Duluth, Minnesota.

Kathy fought a long battle with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome). She moved to El Paso, Texas, where her father was serving as pastor. Her health problems increased and worsened over the years, resulting in her becoming semi-incapacitated. Despite her illness, she lived on her own for 20 years with the help of family, friends and caregivers.

In 2010, she met Mike Riley due to a chance phone call and in 2014, she moved to Roseville, California, to be with him. They enjoyed their time together despite her worsening health problems that eventually claimed her life. Kathy died in her sleep January 26, 2018.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Penny Walker; and is survived by her father, Larry Walker; brother, Kelly Walker of Tucson, Arizona; and sisters, Tonia Meyer of Bend and Laurie McGuire of Byron, Michigan; and the love of her life, Mike Riley of Roseville, California.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 18 at 1pm at the United Church of God, 61396 S. Hwy 97, suite 204, Bend.