Verna R. Walker, age 90 passed away April 18, 2011, surrounded by her family at her home in Hot Springs, SD.

Verna was born April 2, 1921, in Madison, SD, to Charles and Westie (Young) Backhaus. She graduated from Madison High School. She attended the General Beatel Teachers College in Madison and graduated with a degree in elementary education. She went on to teach in Edgemont, Igloo, SD, and Pringle, SD. Verna truly enjoyed being able to educate children in their first year of school as a kindergarten teacher. On June 4, 1956, she married Robert (Mick) Walker of Pringle and they made Pringle their home.

Verna was wonderful, loving and caring of her family and friends. She was a member of the Pringle Civic Club for 30 years and held many offices during that time. She was also Treasurer of the South Dakota Education Association for several years.

Verna is survived by her son, Robert J. 'Bob' Walker, of Hot Springs; sister, Delores Backhaus Carr of Wellington, KS; nine grandchildren, Tami Kearns of Black Hawk; Melissa Walker of Hot Springs; Bradly Walker of Dickinson, ND; Shannon Walker of Hot Springs; Caitlin Peterson of Custer, SD; Jolyn Erickson of Rapid City, SD; JD Myers of Akron, IA; Tadd Harder of Hot Springs; Keith Harder of Hot Springs, and ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 23, 2011 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating. A private family committal service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.