Ellendale - Kathleen E. Walton passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 at Milford Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. Having valiantly fought through eight months of difficult medical challenges, extended hospital stays and rehabilitation, Kathleen took her last breathe and peacefully left this world.
Kathleen served for many years as the mayor of Ellendale and was a lifetime member of the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, holding many positions; including President, Vice President and Treasurer. She was also an active member of Ruritan.
She owned and operated multiple school bus routes, all while overseeing the daily activities of the Walton farm.
Kathleen was an avid animal lover and never turned away an animal in need. Over the years she has opened her heart and home to countless fur babies; from stray cats to bottle feeding baby raccoons and newborn calves…all were loved and given a new lease on life.
In addition to her parents, Nelson and Viola Abbott, Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Walton, Ret. Lieutenant with the Delaware Department of Corrections; and her sister, Bernice Hyler.
Kathleen is survived by her son, Clay Walton, his wife Norma and their children Billy and Miranda; son, Wayne Walton and his wife Joyce; daughter, Dawn Walton Kiker, her husband Chris and their daughter, Kayla; along with a family friend, Gregory "Biscuit" Luff; and one very vocal and obnoxious African Grey parrot, named Pumpkin.
Memorial services will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 at the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Hall, 302 Main St., Ellendale, at 4 p.m., where friends may call for a time of visitation at 3 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Ladies Auxiliary, c/o Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 5, Ellendale, DE 19941.
Arrangements in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.