Thelma Larraine Walker

Thelma Larraine Walker, age 93,  was born July 8, 1930, in the old Salt Lake General hospital to Ellen Viola Norell and Albert Sydney Romney. She was the oldest of six children and was raised by her mother and stepfather Earl Phillips. She spent most of her growing up years in Sandy and Riverton.

She married Robert Dorrel Newbold in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and together they had four children: Shauna, Charis, Norman, and Robert (Bob). She married her second husband, Paul Richard Walker, on August 25, 1968. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple on February 16, 2002.

Thelma was employed by Smith’s Food King for many years, where she met Paul. Together, Thelma and Paul moved several places as Smith’s opened new stores in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Eventually, they settled in southern Utah and spent most of the last four decades together in St. George and Ivins.

Thelma was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and really liked being part of the Relief Society. She enjoyed attending shows and events with her family and friends and went on many trips with Paul and with her children and grandchildren. In their younger years, she and Paul traveled all over the western United States and took regional day trips to see cities and sites in Utah and surrounding states. She spent a lot of time in the summers with extended family in beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and she and Paul hosted many Thanksgiving dinners in their home. 

Creativity and crafting were some of Thelma’s many talents.  She worked hard making imaginative and artistic items for the purpose of decorating her home and to give to loved ones. She also enjoyed scrapbooking and keeping in touch with family and friends by writing letters and sending cards. In addition, she had a great sense of humor and extraordinary wit.

An avid reader, Thelma finished a book a week on average and worked on daily crossword puzzles for decades. She enjoyed good food and company, going to shows, holiday parties, learning, keeping up with news, and watching documentaries. She adored her dogs, and in recent years, Baylee and Max brought her joy.  Her pets spent much of their time right by her side and on her lap.

She battled difficult changes and health issues throughout her life and each challenge proved she was strong and tenacious. She was full of vim and vigor and loved by friends and family.  She will be greatly missed. 

Thelma is survived by her sister Lois Eidahl; children, Shauna (Ken) Crittenden, Charis (Jay) Stansell, Bob (Vauna) Newbold and  daughter-in-law, Janet Newbold; 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; by 4 of her siblings Barbara, Marvin, Phyllis and Ronnie; her husband Paul, her son Norman, and many friends.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Thelma will be held Friday, November 24, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the LDS Heritage Chapel on 240 E. 1060 S. Ivins, UT 84738. Thelma will be laid to rest at the Ivins City Cemetery.