Verna Weeks Walker
July 29, 1929–Nov. 18, 2023
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, Verna Weeks Walker slipped peacefully away in her Boise, Idaho, home, surrounded by loving family. In her more than 94 years, “Buna” left an enduring legacy as she positively influenced lives as a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Verna was born in Declo, Idaho, the first of five children to Lorin Roy Weeks and Charlotte Paskett Weeks. Her father died in a farm accident in 1944 when Verna was only 15 years old. She graduated from Declo High School in 1947. While attending the Southern Idaho College of Education in Albion, Idaho, she met her future husband, Hal Wilson Walker, and their lives were forever intertwined.
Hal and Verna were married on July 10, 1948, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955. They began their lives together in Murtaugh, Idaho, and lived in many towns throughout southeast Idaho during Hal’s 48-year career with Idaho Power.
The family moved to new homes 22 times, living in 10 different Idaho towns, with their longest stays in American Falls and Mountain Home. Verna would tease Hal about having gypsy ancestry because his parents had also moved a lot. Despite the challenges, every relocation offered new adventures and friendships. No matter where they lived, Verna planted a garden and made it home.
Verna and Hal were blessed with nine treasured children, followed by more than 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring that there was never a dull moment in the Walker household. The family enjoyed many wonderful summers vacationing and making memories at Alturas Lake, times that were filled with games, fishing, love, laughter, and occasional running leaps from the boat dock into the ice-cold mountain lake. Verna last jumped in at age 78.
In 1982, Verna and her husband were leaders of a memorable six-person Rotary Group Study Exchange Team to England for six weeks, beginning a lifelong love of all things British.
Verna was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in leadership roles as a president in stake and ward Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. She was an inspiring teacher, counselor, and ministering sister. She also loved serving in family history and consulting with others on genealogical research. She served as the director of the stake Family History Center and was able to travel to England several times to see the land of her ancestors.
Because of her passion for family history, she became the record keeper, receiving many records including photos, documents, and books. Verna revered her pioneer ancestors and was grateful for “the sacrifices they made and the trials they endured” so she could be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Fulfilling their shared dream, Verna and Hal served as senior missionaries for the Church in the California Carlsbad mission. Sadly, their mission was cut short due to Hal’s illness, and he passed away on April 8, 1998. A few years later Verna moved to Boise, Idaho, to be closer to her children. She became an avid traveler and took immense pleasure in visiting her children’s families living near and far.
Verna is survived by three sons and five daughters, Lorin (Jo Anne) Walker; Susan Kerr; Charlotte Drake; Clair (Jeannelle) Walker; Loralyn (Rodney) Huber; Lissa (Hal) Bitton; Jeanie Walker; and Michael (Julie) Walker; one sister, Belva Heinze, and two brothers, Dell Weeks and Dennis Weeks. She was preceded in death by her husband Hal Walker, her brother Glen Weeks, and her son Justin Walker.
Among her many interests, Verna enjoyed painting, cooking, quilting, and gardening, especially growing beautiful flowers.
Verna’s life is an admirable example of resilience, creativity, and devotion to family and faith. She will be missed greatly, especially for her childlike sense of wonder, her generosity, her dry wit, her toothy smile, her hugs, and her oft-repeated “I love you and give my love to your kids.”
The many adventures and family moments shared with Verna in places like England, Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, California, Missouri, Utah, and all over Idaho will never be forgotten. And while she is gone, her memory—and many of her clever sayings and mannerisms—will live on forever in her descendants and everyone else who knew and loved her.
Verna loved her home, and her porch where she would enjoy her beautiful garden, and the flights of both airplanes and hummingbirds. She was able to live there, surrounded by beauty, until the end of her long and happy life. Verna often expressed gratitude for the love and care of family, neighbors, friends, and ward members who brought joy into her life and helped her to live independently for many years.
A viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3020 W. Cherry Lane, Boise, Idaho, 83705. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.
To attend the funeral service virtually, please visit: https://zoom.us/j/95123509339?pwd=KzBRZEwrUVRnaStzTENmOXo2VDN1QT09
Meeting ID: 951 2350 9339
Passcode: 735035
The burial and grave dedication will be on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 725 N. 18th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647. Bowman Funeral Directors is assisting with the funeral arrangements.