VaNieta Walker

Vera “VaNieta” Harris Walker, 89, of Eugene, Oregon, died on Thursday, May 01, 2025. She was living at Merrill Gardens at Sheldon Park Assisted Living Center. She fought a long battle with dementia. VaNieta was born on March 21, 1936, in Garland, Utah. Her parents were Ferrin Robert Harris and Ruth Ann Roderick Harris Hays. During her formative years, Vanieta was raised by her grandmother, Ethel Mary John Roderick, in Malad, Idaho. She graduated from Davis High School in Bountiful, Utah. Later, VaNieta earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Brigham Young University. She taught elementary school in Santa Ana, California, and Provo, Utah.

In 1959, she married Richard Walker in Salt Lake City, Utah. During the first part of their marriage, the couple moved several times. Finally, a temporary stop in Eugene, Oregon, lasted over 50 years. The couple raised six children.

Vanieta was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many volunteer-leadership positions. She also volunteered as a SMART reader for several years, was connected with OASIS, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Eugene.

VaNieta loved walking in nature, the arts, and playing the piano.

Vanieta was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and husband. Survivors include six children; Richard Walker (Elke) of Germany, Susan Anderson (Richard) of Norman, Oklahoma, AnnMaree Savage (Bryan) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Larry Walker (Diana) of Lowell, Oregon, a daughter Lori Walker of Springfield, Oregon, and Brian Walker (Marianne) of Springfield, Oregon. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Springfield Memorial Gardens Chapel. This will be followed by a committal service at 11 a.m.