Helen Margaret (Gries) Walker

Helen M. Walker, 88, of Battle Creek died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer's / Dementia problems.

Helen was born September 27, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the daughter of William F. and Hannelia (Halloran) Gries. She graduated from Wayland High School and attended Davenport Business College. She met the love of her life, Jerry Clair Walker in Grand Rapids at a party hosted by a mutual friend. They were married May 21, 1960 in Wayland, Michigan. Helen co-owned Walker Drug Store in Verona for 25 years with her husband Jerry, until his death on February 7, 1992. She continued to operate the store briefly with several pharmacists. After selling the business, Helen was employed as Director of Northside Manor for seven years. She was also employed at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care for 21 years, until 2017 when her dementia problems no longer permitted her to continue working.

Surviving are two sons, Mark Walker and Wayne Walker both of Battle Creek; her daughter, Kelly (James) Stevens of Battle Creek and three grandchildren.

Helen was a member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, where she was involved in Perpetual Adorations. She was an avid reader and read every book in the Dorr Library. Helen will be remembered as a caring, thoughtful person, always dressed nicely for the occasion and was a devoted wife and mother. She did a lot of volunteering and helped at the Franklin Food Pantry, soup kitchens and other organizations to help people.

Helen's family will receive friends 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John D. Fleckenstein 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 92 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of SW Michigan or the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.