Kelly Rae Walker

Kelly Rae Walker was born Feb. 19, 1957, to Lela and Jack Smith in Omak, Washington.

Kelly, as a young girl was very athletic and could master any sport that she put her mind to. At a very young age, she had a very special way with little kids, teaching her nephew, Jamie Rowe, how to fish and ride horses.

In the early years, Kelly flew up to Alaska to visit her mom in Fairbanks. It was there that she met and married Darrell Walker. That union produced her only child, Twyla Jean, born August 8, 1978, who she loved with all her heart.

Kelly was known to be a free spirit and in the 80's she took off to find her way. Her journey took her to Colorado and New Mexico, where she worked various jobs from a deli to landscaping.

Kelly came back to Washington and was diagnosed eight years prior with very rare type of cancer. Her fierce mental strength was matched by noone. She continued to rally time and time again. "New day, new battle." She would gather her mental toughness and continue on. Kelly was on Facebook four days prior to her passing. She was eagerly awaiting the holidays!

Kelly was a Christian and a member of the Nazarene Church in Grand Coulee.

She remained in Grand Coulee with her loving mom as her compassionate caregiver and Bob Bell as her ever-ready driver, always ready to take her to her appointments, until Saturday evening, December 5, 2015, when Kelly peacefully slipped away in her sleep, as her Mom held her hand.

Kelly was predeceased by her father, Jack Smith, stepbrother, Mike Demmitt, and love, Mike.

Kelly is survived by her daughter, Twyla; mother Lela; and sisters, Vicky Young, Sherry Woods, Nance Haydock. Last, but not least, her loving border collie, "Lucy."

Please sign Kelly's online guestbook at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington, is honored to be serving Kelly's family.