Mary C. Walke, age 90 of Batesville, died Thursday, November 15, 2018 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born May 24, 1928 in Batesville, she is the daughter of Catherine (Nee: Moeller) and Charles Johnson. She married Clarence Walke August 22, 1953 at St. Louis Church and he preceded her in death October 27, 1991. Mary spent 34 years at the Batesville Herald Tribune as a writer and administrator. She was a member of St. Louis Church, The Red Hats, Daughters of Isabella and Gol
In addition to working at the paper, she and Clarence also owned and ran Walke’s Gardenland for 25 years, selling bedding plants and flowers. Mary loved hosting the holidays, especially Christmas, where everyone could gather and she could spoil the grandkids with gifts. She liked to travel and often would find those gifts during her trips. Periodic visits to Vegas were always something she enjoyed. She was also a longtime regular on Thursday nights at the St. Louis Bingo. Where most Hoosiers are divided, Mary followed both I.U. and Purdue basketball, was an avid card player of 500 and Solo, liked an occasional Bloody Mary or Dirty Martini and for many years knitted and made hook rugs.
She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law Sue and Mike Back of Greenwood, Indiana, Maribeth Walke of Ijamsville, Maryland; son and daughter-in-law Larry and Nancy Walke of Batesville; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Mildred Hillenbrand, Geraldine Henderson and brothers William, Harry (Jack), Rev. Philip (Tony) and Edmund Johnson.
Visitation is Monday, November 19th, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating and burial in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Batesville Parks Department.