Carol Joan Walker

MISSOULA ~ Carol Joan Walker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away on October 16, 2025 at the age of 81. Born in Kalispell, Montana to Keith Oscar and Loraine Emerance (Van Laecken) Shew, Carol grew up in the Flathead Valley. She attended St. Matthew’s School through 8th grade and graduated from Flathead High School in 1962. Shortly after, she began a distinguished 36-year career serving both Glacier National Park and the U.S. Forest Service, with postings across Montana and Oregon, retiring in 2001.

Carol had a love for travel and explored many parts of the world, including Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Europe and countless places across the United States, often visiting family and friends along the way. Music was another great joy in her life. She was a talented pianist and vocalist, and her love of singing was expressed in her years with the Sweet Adelines. Carol performed in regional, state, national and international competitions, and notably sang lead in an award-winning quartet that traveled to London to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

Carol was first married to Tom Demmons, with whom she had a son, Chris. In 1979, she married Richard Walker.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband Richard; her son Chris and daughter-in-law Jennifer; her grandchildren Gabe, Lauren and Logan; her stepchildren Dave (Sandy), Deanne (Bob), Dianne (Phil), Dawn (Gregg) and 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and her sister Connie.

Her warmth, creativity and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

We want to express our gratitude to the staff at The Springs Footsteps Memory Care for the compassion provided to Carol. It made a meaningful difference in her life, and in ours.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.