Ladene N. Walker

Our beloved mother, Ladene Nichols Walker, “Granny Chick” passed away on New Year’s Eve 2018 at the age of 92. Always the “Belle of the Ball,” Ladene Nichols Walker was a woman of class, beauty, and impeccable taste.

She was born on April 6, 1926 to Charlotte and DeLore Nichols in Morgan, Utah and spent most of her youth in Farmington, Utah where she excelled academically and artistically. An education at the University of Utah followed with the highlight being her membership in the Tri-Delta sorority where she met many dear and lifelong friends. In 1948 Ladene met and married Leo R. Walker, Jr. a newly graduated pediatric dentist. They celebrated 62 wonderful years together before Leo passed in 2010. They had 4 children of whom she was most proud.

Ladene took pleasure being a member of the Junior League and serving on the board of the University of Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Always beautifully dressed, her artistic abilities were evidenced in everything she did. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and particularly enjoyed serving in the Guide Scouts where she lovingly mentored numerous young men.

Working alongside her husband at his dental practice was one of her life’s greatest joys. Upon Leo’s retirement from practice, they moved to Park City where she worked for the Nordic Program at the US Ski Team and was the unofficial “team mom” for several years.

During mom’s life in Park City she cultivated new relationships, lasting associations and neighborhood friends. Exercise workouts at the Racquet Club, grocery shopping at the Park City Market, trips to the Post Office and visits to the Library were part of her daily routine.

She was a patron of the arts and enjoyed travelling throughout Europe, attending the opera, and the Utah Symphony. She loved to play bridge with her friends at the Town Club, and was blessed to be able to do so until the last few weeks of her life. Ladene and Leo took delight in dancing and were members of the Third Saturday Night Dance Club for 25 years. Our mother was the consummate cook. She loved to entertain and share gourmet meals with family and friends. She took great pleasure in procuring, preparing, and presenting her wonderful meals with those she loved.

Mom had the ability to relate to people of all ages. She never thought of herself as an old person and enjoyed the many friendships that were nurtured throughout her life. She was kind, gracious, and respectful of everyone she met, never uttering an unkind word about anyone. She was charming and witty with a wonderful sense of humor. Always the “dignified lady”. She was the ring leader for all the kids growing up on Logan Avenue and “second mother” for many of her children’s friends, including the Harmon family whose mother passed away prematurely.

Ladene is survived by her children; Crayton Ross Walker (Nance), Mark Alan Walker (Stacey), Melana Walker, and Dean Nichols Walker (DeAnn). She particularly loved her grandchildren, including her 7 grandsons (Jamie, Adam, David Lee, Andrew, Ben, Brian, and Nicholas) one granddaughter (Allison), and one great-grandson (Michael). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, an infant daughter, and her sister Natell Nichols Schaffer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Funeral Services will be Friday, January 11, 2019 at Noon, with family visitation one hour prior to services at Starks Funeral Parlor. For those unable to attend, visit this page to watch the funeral live. Services will remain viewable on Starks Funeral Parlor website thereafter.

The family wishes to express thanks to Ladene’s physicians and care givers; Dr.’s Roy Gandolfi, Ron Brown, Kent Thorne, St. Mark’s Cardiac Rehab, Millcreek (Signature) Hospice, and Danville Support Services. Interment will follow at the Farmington City Cemetery immediately following the services.

Donations may be made in Ladene’s name to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 South Campus Center Drive, SLC UT. 84112-0350.

Please check back soon to view a video tribute slideshow.