Marjorie H. Walker

Our mother's work on earth was done early Monday morning, May 3rd when she closed her eyes and was carried tenderly home in the arms of Jesus. Heaven's gates surely opened wide and the angel choir assembled as this saintly woman of God let go of her earthly life and entered the Holy City. Marjorie Hutchison Dragoo Walker was born at home on the farm of her parents, John William and Sophia Hutchison, in Delaware County, Indiana on March 12, 1920. She was the youngest of eight children. She grew up on her family's farm living simply and, no doubt, learned much of her grace and humility from her mother during those years. One of her jobs as a child was to lead the cows in for milking each morning and evening, often riding on the back of the lead cow. She graduated from Cowan High School in 1938, only the second of her siblings to become a high school graduate. After High School she clerked at a general store in Oakville across from the Farmer's Elevator, gathering and wrapping items off the shelves from customer's hand-written lists. Later she managed the basement, home-furnishings department of the dime-store on Walnut Street in Muncie. On March 12th, 1940 she married Wayne F. Dragoo, a farmer from Perry Township, Delaware County. They moved to their own farm on the rich bottom soil of the Blue River Valley, Henry County. Wayne and Marjorie built up a Holstein dairy herd that was one of the best in the tri-state area. During those early years, Wayne worked in the factory in Muncie, and together they milked the cows at noon, then once again at midnight after he returned home from his shift at the factory. Wayne's health forced a sale of this beloved dairy herd in 1946 and they moved to what was to be Marjorie's home for the rest of her life, the ""high"" farmland of Salem Township, Delaware County in 1948. Marjorie was a full partner to her husband on the farm as they shared the field and housework together. Three children were born to them on this farm. Marjorie ""included"" each of her children in her farm work taking them with her to deliver grain to the elevator or to ride on the tractor seat facing backwards with feet dangling while she navigated through the field. She became active in Farm Bureau and the Women's Christian Temperance Union serving as an officer of women's and children's programs at the county and state level. She also enthusiastically supported 4-H programs, often hosting picnics, softball games and meetings at the farm. Marjorie and Wayne became members of the Pleasant Valley Christian Church near Middletown shortly after their arrival in Delaware County. Marjorie's membership and active participation continued in her beloved Pleasant Valley Church until her death. Every activity of the church was to have her imprint of selflessness and generosity for the next forty years as she poured her time and talents into service of her Lord. After she was too ill to attend church, members met at her home for Wednesday evening prayer services. Marjorie was widowed at an early age in 1966 when Wayne died unexpectedly. After a few years, she married Joseph Walker and worked with him in the office of local grain elevators. She became an accepted and beloved member of the Walker family who embraced her as their own, even after Joe's death in 1990. Marjorie endured, up-close, the hardhips of life, facing the death of loved ones and the plague of debilitating and serious medical difficulties without complaint. Yet, she maintained a self-less and intuitive way of reaching out to help others in need and sharing God's love through her own. She confronted each day willing herself to be joyful and strong and setting an example for living a victorious life. She is survived by five children: John W. Dragoo, wife Jane, Panama City Beach, Florida, Mary Howell, husband David, Middletown, Indiana, Jim Dragoo, Chesterfield, Indiana, Byron Walker, wife Carolyn, Anderson, Indiana and Larry, wife Margie, Walker, Daleville, Indiana. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 41, great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren to treasure her memory. Calling hours will be from 4 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, May 5th at Pleasant Valley Church, southwest of Middletown and funeral services will be at 11 AM on Thursday, May 6th also at Pleasant Valley Church. Memorials may be sent to Pleasant Valley Church C/O Ballard and Sons, 118 South 5th, Middletown, IN 47356.Onlineguestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com