Marta Beartracks Walker

Maud resident, Marta Unita Walker, 97, passed from this life on Monday, July 10, 2006, at Seminole Estates Nursing Facility in Seminole, Oklahoma. She was born March 22, 1909, in Brandsville, Missouri, to William Lafayette and Eliza Belle (Moore) Parks.rnrnShe married Fred Ervin Walker on April 17, 1926, in Kiefer, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, they lived and worked in Cromwell, Struggleville, Fittstown, Beebe, Wewoka and Bethany before retiring to Maud.rnrnHer husband Fred was a loving husband who adored his wife. Often as they strolled down the streets, he would lean down to kiss her cheek. He stood a full foot over her yet gave her the nickname of "Beartracks" even though her manner was very mild. He had named her after a boss he had while working in the oilfield, "Beartrack Jones." He was a rough and tough man and nothing ever escaped his scrutiny. Fred also enjoyed telling people she had a good left hook. The nickname stayed with her the rest of her life.rnrnShe was an excellent seamstress, having taught herself to sew at an early age, and received blue ribbons at Oklahoma State Fairs for her sewing.rnrnMarta was able to attend school for only 8 years, but when she was 65, she returned to school and earned her high school diploma. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Maud and had also been a member of the Delphian Study Club in Maud.rnrnShe loved her family and her God and as she grew older her constant prayer was that she would not forget her God.rnrn"Beartracks" is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 44 years in 1971; two sons-in-law, Farris Austin and Luther Harrison; one grandson, Jim Austin; one great grandson, Matthew Austin; her brothers, Jimmy, Homer, Ned J. and Ted L. Parks; her sisters, Nina Parks, Marie Parks, Lurene Herion, Nada Dunbar, and Wilma Henson. She is also preceded in death by two special friends and neighbors, Al & Betty Knight.rnrnShe leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters and their husbands; Frances Austin of Plainville, Kansas, Beth and Bill Shipman of Maud, Oklahoma and Ray and Mimi Lee of Maud, Oklahoma.rnrnNine grandchildren and their spouses; Frank& Corrine Austin of Tustin, California; Darrell & Nancy Austin of Fort Collins, Colorado; Steve & Alisa Austin Dreher of Plainville, Kansas; Walter & Namiqa Shipman of Big Spring, Texas; Bret Shipman of Maud, Oklahoma; Douglas & Donna Harrison of Milledgeville, Georgia; Martin & Pam Harrison of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jonathan & Leslie Harrison of Mission Viejo, California; and Jeff Harrison of Knoxville, Tennessee.rnrn19 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.rnrnFuneral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at the Trinity Baptist Church of Maud, Oklahoma.rnRev. Wayne Taylor and Rev. Namiqa Shipman will officiate.rnrnInterment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Mounds, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: July 14, 2006, 10:30 AM