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Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis
with Father Timothy Castor officiating
One hour prior to the funeral service at the church.



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In memory of

Viola "Vi" Walker

of Philip, South Dakota, formerly of Rapid City, died on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 101

Viola “Vi” C. Walker, 101 of Rapid City died on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Philip Hospital after living at the Silverleaf Assisted Living in Philip for the past four years.

Vi was born in Armour, South Dakota to Frank and Mary (Campbell) Connor on February 19, 1918. She graduated from Armour High School and played on the Women’s basketball team with two of her sisters. Vi was united in marriage to Ronald H. Walker who was from Lake Andes, South Dakota on September 3, 1944. They moved to Rapid City and started their family. In June of 1982 after 29 years and 6 months, Vi retired from the Department of the Air Force at Ellsworth AFB. Her and Ronnie traveled and enjoyed their life together until his passing. Thereafter, Vi and her sisters enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren at various Rapid City locations.

Survivors include one son Gary Walker and his wife Diane of Rapid City; three grandchildren Ariel Walker and Joshua Walker of Rapid City and Brad Walker of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Vi was preceded in death by her husband Ronald; her parents Frank and Mary; one brother John Connor; and seven sisters Agnes "Aggie" Connor, Alice "Nappie" Connor, Geneva "Hook" Engelland, Lucille "Judy" Kelley, Evelyn "Dade" Green, Maxine "Dutchie" Guthmiller, and June "Dune" Schmidt.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant and Deacon Lloyd Frein assisting.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Father Timothy Castor officiating.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Gary Oreshoski
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Brittney Drury - Vocalist
"I Am The Bread of Life" - #363
"Amazing Grace" - #432
"Gift of Finest Wheat" - #323
"O Loving God" - #681
"Lead Me Lord" - #630

LECTOR
Gayle Rush

PALLBEARERS
Joshua Walker - Brad Walker - Ariel Walker
Brooke Scheessele - Ashley Scheessele - Austin Scheessele

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 1:30 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
Father Timothy Castor - Officiant

  • Hello Guys, Glad to Join! :) ~ Darrickinher (3/6/2024)
  • Gary, Diane & family, I am sorry to read of your mother's passing & pray the memories of your time together & the immense feelings of love shared will help you move forward to celebrate a life-well lived & a legacy for the ages! God bless! ~ Marcia Schneider Eisenbraun Custer, SD (3/20/2019)
  • The "Connor Girls" were legends in Armour...Always the life of any party.
    "Hooks" daughter, Donna was my best friend in High School...Vi will be missed by many....     ~ Marlene Skillings SLC UT (3/20/2019)
  • So very sorry to hear of Vi's passing. Quite a lady.. I'm sure she and Ronnie are kicking up their heels to be together again. Big Hug to you guys. ~ Jay & Colette Miller Hot Springs, SD (3/18/2019)
  • Gary, My prayers are with you and your family on the passing of your mother. ~ Tim Ogdie Rapid City (3/18/2019)
  • Gary & Diane,
    Gary I am sorry to hear about your mother passing. Please know that Deb & I have you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
    ~ Mike Fredrich Rapid City (3/17/2019)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with during this time, it's never easy to lose our parents. ~ Tom and Jane Aasby Piedmont SD (3/17/2019)
  • Gary and Diane & Family- God bless Vi as she travels home to her special place in Heaven. No more pain-only peace, happiness and saftey in the arms of God. She was a special lady . It was a pleasure to care for her at Silverleaf. She holds a special place in my heart and I pray God will comfort you all as you adjust to this loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. God bless. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (3/16/2019)