Carol Walker, 81

Carol Joan Walker, 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on Oct. 16, 2025, in Missoula. Born in Kalispell to Keith Oscar and Loraine Emerance (Van Laecken) Shew, Carol grew up in the Flathead Valley. She attended St. Matthew’s School through eighth grade and graduated from Flathead High School in 1962. Shortly after, she began a distinguished 36-year career serving both Glacier National Park and the U.S. Forest Service, with postings across Montana and Oregon, retiring in 2001.

Carol had a love for travel and explored many parts of the world, including Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Europe and countless places across the United States, often visiting family and friends along the way. Music was another great joy in her life. She was a talented pianist and vocalist, and her love of singing was expressed in her years with the Sweet Adelines. Carol performed in regional, state, national and international competitions, and notably sang lead in an award-winning quartet that traveled to London to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

Carol was first married to Tom Demmons, with whom she had a son, Chris. In 1979, she married Richard Walker.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband Richard; her son Chris and daughter-in-law Jennifer; her grandchildren, Gabe, Lauren, and Logan; her stepchildren, Dave (Sandy), Deanne (Bob), Dianne (Phil), and Dawn (Gregg), and eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and her sister Connie.

Her warmth, creativity and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family wants to express their gratitude to the staff at The Springs Footsteps Memory Care for the compassion provided to Carol. It made a meaningful difference in her life, and in theirs.

Her memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.