Lana Walker

Lana Peterson Walker was born 21^st of August 1946 in Vernal, Utah.  Surrounded by her loving family she departed this earth on Saturday, 2^nd of March 2024 at her home in Vernal.

She grew up on the banks of the beautiful Green River over-looking Split Mountain in Jensen, UT on her family farm. This is where she learned her strong work ethic and determination to always finish what she started. She raised many animals with 4H and was grand champion in the categories of hog, steer and lamb several times.  

She also had fun playing in the fields and playing baseball with her siblings, Marie, Arlen and Keith, cousins and school friends. When she was eight years old one of those baseballs removed her front tooth. It was replaced with a gold tooth which she joyfully shared with every smile for most of her life. 

She had amazing sewing abilities and won many awards including a state title for the “Make it with Wool” competition as a teenager. When she found an article of clothing that her sister Marie had that she liked, she would often alter it to fit herself.

She married the love of her life on 07 December 1962 in Elko, NV. They eloped when she was 16 years old and Ron was 18. When they arrived in Elko they found out that they needed notarized parental permission. When they called her parents, her mother Ila answered the phone and fainted at the news. Her dad, Blake, took the phone and agreed to write the permission letter. Ron called home and his dad Ralph answered Ronnie explained they were in Elko and only had enough money for one room. Did his dad want him to spend the night as a single or a married man? Ralph agreed to write the letter. Because the mail would have taken far too long, they would send it by bus to Elko. The two soon to be in-laws went to First Security Bank to have them notarized, and as they walked out of the door, they saw the Trailways bus drive by. Placing the documents in a shoe box. They pursued it and flagged down the bus at Scenic View in Vernal to have them transport the box.

She had the most beautiful soprano voice and loved singing with her sweet husband of 61 years while he played the guitar. They entertained together for decades, at weddings, funerals, holiday parties, community events and anywhere there was music to sing to.

She was an All-star fast pitch catcher for many years with Ron & Alan Iorg being the team coaches.  She even had an entire season that she never had a ball get past her whether it was pitched or thrown.

She was also an All-star volleyball player and enjoyed being on several deck tennis teams playing with the church and community.

She learned how to dip chocolates and make a variety of candies that tasted better than any store.  She would spend hours with her mother-in-law Theodocia (Ted) Walker making these delicious confections that her family devoured within minutes. 

She created many delicious specialties that became favorites for all family gatherings including but not limited to her famous cinnamon rolls, potato salad, clam chowder and her special spiced cider. 

Using her sewing skills, she made many of her own clothes, clothing for both of her daughter’s, sewed western suits for Ron, and several items for her son in the 1960s and 1970s. With her sewing ability, she made her son’s racing leathers when he was number 1 in Utah’s District 2 for BMX bike racing in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Ron & Lana were also part of the Saddle Sages Cowboy Poetry Club and spent many years entertaining with Dick & Daun DeJournette, Troy & Doris Burton, Arden Stewart, Allen Brewer, Richard Ufford, Dick & Joy Horton, Lyle & Linda Harlow and several others. They loved hearing and reading the cowboy stories and poetry and playing their instruments and singing. 

She has been a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. She served in many callings, her favorites were always music and especially with the primary children. She also really enjoyed her calling at the Uintah Care Center and the years she served as a temple worker with the love of her life Ronnie. Her most recent calling was the Naples Chapel building coordinator which she held for over a decade. 

Her most favorite activities were when all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were around. Whether we were playing games, singing songs, telling stories and jokes or just watching movies. Our most cherished memories are of the joy and laughter experienced at our Walker Family Olympics.

Spouse Ronald G. Walker, Married 07 December 1962 in Elko, NV

Children: 

Shelly (Junior) Martinez, Vernal, UT

Karine (Donnie) Burnett, Johnstown, CO

Troy Walker, West Jordan, UT

7 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren

Survived by:

Sister Marie (Rick) Spurlock, Jensen, UT

Brothers Arlen (Susan) Peterson, Jensen, UT and Keith (Verna) Peterson, Jensen, UT

Multiple nieces and nephews.

Preceded in Death By: Her parents Blake and Ila Peterson.

Father and mother in law Ralph and Theodocia (Ted) Walker. 

Sisters in law and their spouses Rita (Al) Rios and Jackie (Lud) Olsen.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11 am at the Naples LDS Chapel (2313 S 1500 E) with viewings held Thursday, March 7th from 6-8 pm at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, and from 9:45-10:45 prior to service at the chapel.