Dorothy May Walker, "Nanny", beloved Mother, Grandmother and friend died peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 16 ^th , 2017.   She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all.

Dorothy inspired family and friends to live life to the fullest.  With her competitive spirit, she intrigued and delighted all those around her.  She was fun to be with, lucky at all things and always full of ideas.

In the spring of 1918, Dorothy's birth year, a total solar eclipse crossed our country from coast to coast as if to announce her pending arrival.  Oddly enough, after nearly 100 years, it is fitting that same shadow will darken the sky as we sadly say good-bye.  Nanny watches over us now and forever more from the other side.

Dorothy May Montgomery was born at home the day after Christmas, December 26 ^th , 1918 near Genoa.  She spent her life a proud resident of DeKalb County, Illinois where she thrived in a rural environment surrounded by a large family presence.  She attended the one room "Wiltberger School" during the 1920's.  Learning was fun for Dorothy as she embraced life with a cheerful "front and center" attitude.  Her "Game-On" personality embodied her "In it to Win it" spirit.  Dorothy thrived in all learning environments and was an excellent student graduating from DeKalb Township High School in 1936.

Dorothy Married James R. Walker in 1937 at the First Baptist Church in DeKalb, IL.  They moved to Elva and raised a family in a home built by Jim's grandfather.  He often referred to the Elva property as "The Garden Spot of the World".  On ancestral ground, next to the railroad tracks, Dorothy and Jim lived a fabulous life where she was definitely Jim's Elva Queen.

Dorothy worked many jobs during her life but was happiest selling World Book Encyclopedias.  She was a convincing sales woman brave enough to knock at a stranger's door because she believed every family needed a set of world books.   She understood how knowledge held the key to opportunity.  She always loved sharing products she believed in and sales was the perfect job for her.

Dorothy ascends to heaven with her beloved husband at her side.  She had many adventures since Jim's passing in 2008 but always awaited the day when she would join him.  Together again they twirl and dance with joy, new adventures yet to come.

Dorothy May Montgomery Walker was preceded in death by her loving husband James Richard Walker, her daughter Janet Kay Volpe, her son Richard Duane Walker and grandson Jeffrey Kenneth Crawford.   She was the last member of the Almon and Ada Belle (Kallembach) Montgomery family.  Her brothers Orville, Russell, Clayton, Raymond, Elbert and sister Agnes all greeted her to heaven with a welcoming embrace.

Dorothy May Walker is survived by five of her seven children; Fred (Bonnie) Walker, Jennifer (Charles) Maki, Jill (Wencel) Mattek, Joni (Kevin) Osterhout, Julie Matekaitis, 19 grandchildren plus many great and great-great grandchildren.

Special thanks to her oldest granddaughter, Janine Schaub, honorary granddaughter Missy Mattek, granddaughter Claire Boomershine and grandson Timothy Brown who assisted with Dorothy's care during her final days.  She was a special Nanny to all of them and their loving support was a comfort to Dorothy.  Thanks also to the Hospice organization "JourneyCare", helping Dorothy fulfill her desire to pass away peacefully in her own home.  Thanks to all family who rallied around her and friends who reached out to her.  Your loving hearts were cherished by Dorothy and appreciated.

Dorothy was one lucky and lovely lady who was full of fun, laughter and class. It was an honor to be able to take on any cause with Dorothy by my side.  Today I have lost my mother and my best friend.  She will be sadly missed by all.  Joni Osterhout

We're gonna love you forever and ever, forever and ever Amen!

Funeral service will be held Tuesday August 22, 2017 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church 349 S. 3 ^rd Street DeKalb.   Burial will be immediately following the service at Afton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday August 21, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Finch Funeral Home.  Memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.