Billie Jean Gaultney Walker

Billie Walker, 96, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021, at Montage Creek Senior Living in Montrose, Colo.

Billie was born May 28, 1924, to James and Pansy (Shane) Gaultney in Buffalo, Okla. After her parents divorced her mother married Elzie G. Walker, an uncle of her husband, Raymond G. Walker. After graduation from high school in Pueblo, Colo., Billie worked at the East Army Air Base during World War II.

Billie and Ray Walker were married on June 8, 1945, and made their home in Monte Vista, Colo. They later owned and operated a cattle ranch southeast of Monte Vista from 1958-1979. In 1979 they sold their ranch and moved to Montrose, Colo., where they made new friends and loved the wonderful weather.

Billie discovered her talent as an artist in oils and then in watercolors after moving to Montrose. She received many awards for her paintings. Billie also received a Civil Air Patrol medal in 2015 for her work during the war.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, in 1995 after 50 years of marriage. Ray passed away peacefully at the Rifle Veterans Center in Rifle, Colo. His ashes were scattered at the head of the Rio Grande River.

Billie is survived by her three children: Ray (Katie) of Loudon, Tenn., Roy (Alice) of Layton, Utah, and Patricia (John) Fitch of Gilbert, Ariz., as well as seven grandchildren: Lori (Ryan) Mentink of Rifle, Colo., Lyle Walker, Shane (Jill) Walker of South Ogden, Utah, Carmen Walker of Ogden, Utah, Justin Walker of Tampa, Fla., Michael (Michelle) Fitch of San Francisco, Calif., and Matthew (Jenise) Fitch of Mesa, Ariz., and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Montrose Methodist Church in Montrose at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, 802 E. Main, Montrose, CO 81401, 970-249-2121.