Mary E. Walker, 86, of State College, formerly of Julian, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Mrs. Walker was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Julian, to the late Boyd W. and Cordelia Bird Richards. Her two brothers, L. Smith "Smitty" Richards and Herbert H. Richards, preceded her in death. In 1948, she married Edward S. Walker Sr., who preceded her in death on Feb. 11, 2006. She is survived by one son, Edward S. Walker Jr., of Denver, Pa. Also surviving are three grandchildren, a cousin, and several nieces and nephews. She was a graduate of Bellefonte High School. Mary belonged to Christ United Methodist Church of Julian, where she served in many capacities, including that of pianist and assistant organist. She was a former secretary at Eisenhower Chapel at Penn State and a bookkeeper for Corl Street Body and Frame Shop. Mary "E" belonged to Lady Emily Rebekah Lodge No. 452 of State College and served the following through the years of her membership: PDDP of Centre County, past president of Centre County Noble Grands, past president of Inter County, past and present DDP. She served as president of the Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania for 1966-1967. She was State Musician six times and Associate Musician of the International Association of Rebekah Assembly in 1982. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania service will be at 8 p.m., followed by a memorial service by Lady Emily Rebekah Lodge No. 452. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Chris Pfleeger officiating. Burial will be in Julian Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rebekah Assembly of Pennsylvania, 1001 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057.
