Obituary of Ronald Walker

Ronald "Ron" A. Walker 61 of Roanoke passed away peacefully on Friday December 27, 2013 from complications of open-heart surgery. He was surrounded by his loving wife, daughters and step-daughter. Ron was preceded by an infant daughter, his mother and step-father, Josephine and Robert "Bob" Boyd and father, Fred Walker. Ron was born in Indiana and graduated from Elmhurst High School and also attended Lynchburg Community College. Prior to retirement Ron worked for many years for the Wooten Hart Law Firm. Ron was very proud to have become a Certified Peer Specialist in the Mental Health Field and worked as a facilitator at On Our Own of Roanoke Valley. He also served on the Board of Directors of NAMI. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Betsy Walker; daughters, Amy (Matthew) Boggs, Dawn (Michael) Roberts; two step-daughters, Lisa Schadt and Allyson Hopkins; sisters, Rose Roberts, Lola Lemon, and a brother, James Boyd. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Rebekah, David, Gabrielle Boggs, Michael, Alexis, Marcus Roberts, David (Megan) Schadt, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Schadt, Bryan Schadt, Hannah Craig, Ella Grace Hopkins; and the newest addition to the family, a great grandson, Bryson Schadt. Ron also leaves behind many friends, however David and Pam Conner have been special friends for many years and have been a great comfort to Betsy in Ron's final days. A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held 2:00pm Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Drive, Roanoke, Va. 24018 with Rev. Velma Bullington officiating. The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Ron's name to Mental Health America Roanoke Valley (MHARV), P.O. Box 592, Roanoke, Va. 24011 or to On Our Own, 429 Elm Street, Roanoke, Va. 24016 Friends may send their condolences to the family by visiting www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707