The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Meet Your Neighbor

by Shana Jackson, Quill Reporter

Meet your neighbor Barb Walker of La Harpe. Barb was born and raised in Chicago moving to La Harpe in 1952 with her parents, Sam and Pat Gillett.

Her father Sam, was originally from La Harpe and her mother was from Chicago.

Barb graduated from grade school from Columbonus in Chicago and she graduated from La Harpe High School in 1954.

After high school, Barb worked in Burlington, Iowa at Ross Manufacturing, Blue Bell Jean Co, Sylvania's, and bartended.

Barb married Ted Carey. The couple had 4 children. Chris, Dawn (Todd), Kelly and Diane.

She then married Ronnie Walker in 1973 and they had a set of twin boys Rob and Ryan. Ronnie passed away unexpectedly in 2008.

Barb has 10 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She is of the Catholic faith, a member of the J.O.'s, American Legion Auxiliary, Sr. Center 16 card club and part of a Thursday night supper group.

Barb enjoys holiday parties for all occasions, and spending time with family and friends, and in her spare time, reading and working crossword puzzles.