Clara Walker

Clara Belle Priest Walker known to her family as “Sug” passed away on Friday, April 10th at home in Zillah, WA after a short but fierce battle with lung cancer. Clara was born to Lawrence and Clara Priest on July 5, 1945 in Hardin, MT. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Benton City, WA. During Clara’s youth she was an avid reader and heavily involved in athletics. Upon graduation from Kiona-Benton City High School, she married Barney Turnbow and although they divorced, the marriage produced two children – Allen and Marlene. Clara was loved by so many for her kind-heartedness and youthful nature. She loved helping others to get a “step-up” in the world as demonstrated with the work she did for Columbia Industries in helping women learn valuable trades to help them earn a better living for themselves and their families. Empowering women was something Clara felt very strongly about. One of her favorite sayings was “There but for the grace of God go I”. She was a hard worker and raised two children on her own while building a career in the Nuclear Industry as a Technical Instructor. In her 40’s she went back to school and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education – graduating with honors. After her children were grown, Clara met Wayne Walker and they began a loving journey that lasted 26 years. Together they shared a love of family, NASCAR racing and Geo-Caching. Clara is survived by her husband Wayne Walker, son Allen Turner, daughter Marlene Bauer, grandson Ryan Welsh, sister Mary Parker, sister Linda Shepard, brother Coy Leon Priest and brother Ted Priest. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Priest Sr. and Clara Priest, brother John Priest, brother Harold Priest, brother Lawrence Priest Jr., sister Mildred Reynolds and sister Joyce Houghtlen. Clara will be forever loved and deeply missed. No funeral services are scheduled at this time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clara Walker, please visit our flower store.