Velma Rosetta (Staab) Walker, 88

Velma Rosetta (Staab) Walker, 88, passed away July 16, 2008, peacefully at her home, under the wonderful care of Hospice of Spokane and her loving son and daughter. Velma was born the youngest of eight children to John Ernest and Stella Louisa Staab on Dec. 29, 1919, in Kalispell.

She was preceded in passing by her brothers, Laurence and Voyle; and sisters, Julia, Bessie, Wauneeta and Lela Bell.

She is survived by "her much older" twin sister, Verda R. Carney, of Kennewick, Wash.

Mom moved to Seattle, where she worked in food service at the shipyards during the war. Later she met the "boss's son," described by her at the time as "the most egotistical, arrogant, self-centered man" she had ever met. Two years later they were married and remained so for 52 years, until his passing.

Mom's early interests included precision horseback drill team, which she continued in Seattle under the supervision of her father-in-law, Phil Carleton. Those passions faded and were replaced by golf and bowling, especially bowling, as she moved her family to Walla Walla, and finally to Spokane. Mom's bowling was the love of her life, especially in recent years. She bowled in as many as three leagues a week. She delighted in going "out to lunch" with her bowling buddies.

Additionally, she leaves behind her son, Ray, and wife, Beverly Walker, of Mukilteo, Wash.; daughter, Vicki Walker, of Chattaroy, Wash.; son, Mike, and wife, Jody Walker, of Spokane; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division St., Spokane, WA 99207; phone: 509-328-2600.