Linda 'Lyn' Lee (Taylor) Walker

Linda Walker August 10, 1948 - August 12, 2026 Fun. Laughter. Comfort. Joy. Throughout her 78 years, Linda Walker gave those gifts and more to everyone lucky enough to know her. Born Linda Lee Taylor in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Linda was the eldest of Daniel and Doris Taylor's three children. A natural caregiver, young Linda was a busy mother's helper and big sister extraordinaire. Linda excelled in school, especially enjoying English and drama. She graduated from Marion High School with top grades and polished business/secretarial skills that quickly landed her a job at Marion's First National Bank. And how did Linda spend her first paychecks? She saved them to buy an incredible 1960s Christmas gift: the family's first color television. At the bank, Linda was a lightning-fast stenographer and typist (120+ words per minute!), advancing to new accounts, loans, online security, operations, and executive secretary to the CEO. With a thirst for knowledge, she completed a variety of banking and college level classes, became a Notary Public, and passed the State of Iowa's examination for general and life insurance agents. Eventually Linda went on to become the executive secretary to the CEO of Cedar Rapids' Mercy Medical Center, where she was named a Mercy Ambassador for her "excellence in guest relations, hospitality, and genuine concern for others." For years, Linda cheerfully juggled work and family as primary wage earner and single mom. Her love for her son Chris, whom she affectionately called "Monster Boy," was boundless, and from the start, Linda made their home a fun-filled safe haven. It was a place of unlimited popsicles and other treats, badminton and board games, laughter, love, and adventures large and small. Linda lived life as a multitasking Energizer Bunny in constant motion. She was an avid reader, baker, sewer, crafter, gardener, pianist, game and puzzle player, and undisputed queen of holiday decorations and celebrations. A devoted Wizard of Oz fan, Linda reported to work as the Wicked Witch of the West on Halloween. She committed 100% to the role, applying permanent food coloring for the deepest emerald skin tone possible, unfazed by the weeks required to de-greenify herself. Linda's 12-foot-high and 10-foot-wide Christmas tree with thousands of holiday lights and decorations is the stuff of legend. And her collection of holiday goodies grew as never before with the love and support of hubby Dorsie "Duane" Walker after their 1990 marriage and move to a beautiful ranch house on many acres in Billings, Montana. In Billings, Linda added even more activities to her must-do list. She and Duane became snowmobilers then four-wheelers. They adopted a bunny. They fished. They entertained friends and family. They traveled, usually with the bunny. Linda tried a few part-time jobs, finding her favorite at the mall's holiday gift wrap station. Christmas + wrapping + ribbons+ opportunities to soothe panicked shoppers = a very happy Linda. There were few limits to Linda's creativity. She scrapbooked, snail mailed long handwritten cards and letters, and composed poetry, giving friends personalized birthday poems. She wrote letters to the editor, earning dozens of Golden Pen Awards from the Billings newspaper as well as her byline in the Letters section of Time magazine (August 14, 2006). Linda believed in living in the moment and taking joy in simple things: crisp sugar cookies, fresh raspberries, beautiful sunsets, Farkle games, bargains at Target or TJ Maxx, and Diet Dr. Pepper. She adored classic movie musicals as well as horror shows, the gorier the better. Most of all, Linda delighted in her children. Settling Chris into his neat brick home in Cedar Rapids was a highlight of their lives. For Linda, every visit, every phone conversation with her son was a treasure, as was welcoming stepdaughter Diane Walker into her life. Linda would proudly say, "Diane is the daughter I always wanted." Diane has been an answered prayer, a cherished companion, a sister to Chris, and a loving daughter who calls this second mom of hers "Lyn." Linda was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Duane Walker; first husband, Edward Schlatter; parents, Daniel Taylor and Doris Taylor Pierce; stepfather, John Pierce; and brother, Rick Taylor. Linda "Lyn" is survived by her beloved children, Chris Schlatter and Diane Walker; sister, Julie Cerney and Julie's husband, Jim; niece, Melinda Knight, Melinda's husband, Mark, and their children; and nephew, Matt Cerney, Matt's wife Holly, and their children; extended family and friends. A celebration of Linda’s life is pending at this time. The family of Linda ‘Lyn’ Lee Walker has entrusted her care, service and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for Linda’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com