March 22, 1926 - March 30, 2025
In loving memory ~
Eunice Walton passed away peacefully in Salem at the age of 99.
The eldest of 4 sisters, Eunice was born in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada to Charles and Ethel Harvey. The family moved several times during Eunice's early childhood, living in Penticton, Kaledan, and Princeton, before settling in Summerland, British Columbia. She told stories of picking fruit atop tall ladders in the orchards, swimming off the old wharf, and walking fearlessly across the lower girders of the high Trout Creek trestle.
Eunice came to the Salem area in 1944 to attend Willamette University, returning to Canada to teach Home Economics in Oliver, B.C. Several years later she came back for her Junior year at Willamette while tutoring at the Oregon State School for the Blind (OSSB) and recording 'talking books'. After her marriage to Bob Heil the couple spent a year in St. Louis where Eunice taught kindergarten. Returning to Salem, Eunice taught again at OSSB, this time grades 5 and 6, while Bob attended Willamette Law School.
Upon settling in Dallas, Oregon, Eunice cultivated beautiful gardens while teaching her 3 children a respect for nature. She taught Sunday School and served on the Altar Guild at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and was a leader for both Cub Scouts and 4-H. Eunice was one of the first teacher assistants hired in Dallas, working at Whitworth Elementary School with students and as the librarian aide for 25 years.
In 1999 Eunice married her High School sweetheart, Edward Walton, and moved back to British Columbia where she enjoyed morning swims in Okanagan Lake, gathering with her sisters, and tending a garden into her 90s. Following Ed's passing and years of living on her own again, she moved back to Oregon in 2021 to be closer to her children.
Eunice was a woman of faith who cared deeply for her family, friends, and neighbors. She will always be remembered for her love of flowers and gardening, her interest in birds, her energetic and adventurous spirit, and her passion for reading. Lucky was the child or grandchild who sat at her side as she read aloud.
Eunice is survived by her three children, Cathy Griswold, David Heil, and Barbara Twombly. She was affectionately known as Grammy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made in Eunice's name to the Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Dallas. Eunice was an eager volunteer during the inception of this wonderful place.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 21, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dallas, Oregon.
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Service Details
11:00 AM