Search Results

WALTERS -- Viola Parks Walters, age 99, matriarch of the Walters Family, and grandma to us all, left us Sunday, October 12, 2008, to journey into the loving arms of Jehovah God. Born August 31, 1909 in the New Mexico Territory, her family came west to the Roswell, Clayton area where her father was the local barefoot doctor/healer for many years. She married her true love Willy and as full partners they started the WM Waters Steel Erection business. Viola became a respected member in the Daughters of the Nile, Beauceant, and Eastern Star, serving on the drill team that took her all over the US, before leaving that life and following a new path of service as a Jehovah's Witness. She remained a faithful servant of Jehovah until her death. Viola was a dedicated gardener and acequeia water rights activist believing New Mexicans should hold true and dear to their water rights. She followed in the footsteps of her father as a natural healer and was a certifiable health nut! She raised chickens, believing in healthier eggs, and milk goats, making the finest cheese around. She believed you should keep yourself active, in body, mind, and spirit, "or you will go to seed". She was the oldest person to receive her GED in 1985 at the age of 76, and remained active throughout her life until four days before her death. Viola was preceded in death by her husband W.M. Walters; her parents Nicholas (John) and Laura Parks; her sisters, Dovie Lindsey and Nola Bellemy; her daughter Mary McDonald; grandson Billy Howard White; and granddaughter Anne Harbison. She is survived by her oldest sister Ethel Sterner of Arizona. As head of six generations she is also survived by her children: Ruby Carr, Ruth Elsea; WC (Bill) Walters, Albert Walters, her companion and niece Ollie Mae (Shug) Watson, granddaughter Violet Pelts, Eddie White, her loving daughter-in-law Ida Woods, and dear friends Earnestine Chavez, and Mary Cordova. She loved and was loved by many, and strived daily to impact those around her with solid teachings from the bible, and tips on how to stay healthy, save your money, and to never forget your humble beginnings. One of her greatest teachings was to 'save your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.' Family will receive friends Wednesday October 15, 2008 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Riverside Funeral Home. Memorial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the High Desert Kingdom Hall, located 8600 Los Volcanes NW, just west of Coors Blvd. Graveside services will be held at Fairview Memorial Park on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Brother Ed Murphy will officiate. Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Viola's life at the home of her granddaughter, Billie Lattanza at 708 Sunset Rd SW immediately following the graveside services. In lieu of flowers, please make loving contributions to the Sacramento Mountain Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 609, Cloudcroft New Mexico 88317 Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 764-9663
        Published on: Wed October 15, 2008