Berna Walker

Berna Marice Walker passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 3, 2025 at her home in Boonville, CA at the age of 96. She was the 4th generation of a pioneering family in Anderson Valley.

Born in Ukiah, CA on March 16, 1929 to Glenn and Arline (Main) McAbee. She was the second of four children born to them during the Great Depression. She graduated from Anderson Valley High School and went to Santa Rosa Junior College 1947-1948 before attending Sonoma State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree.

Berna met the love of her life Gene Walker at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds skating rink in Boonville. Following a brief courtship Gene and Berna were married July 15, 1947. The young couple lived at various places in the Valley before buying a home on Lambert Lane in 1959.

Berna was a 27 year employee of the Boonville Post Office, a Mendocino County Fair Board member for 12 years as well as a volunteer during fair time. She was selected to be the Grand Marshall of the Mendocino County Fair Parade, a well deserved honor. She also served her community as a member to the Rebekah Lodge, A.V. Grange as treasurer, Lions Club Lioness, and a Docent for the Anderson Valley Historical Society and museum. When their children were growing up, Gene and Berna were devoted parents and sports boosters. They volunteered for any and all events when needed.

Berna enjoyed hunting, fishing, crabbing, camping, and traveling with family and friends. She was very proud of her large family and loved taking her grandchildren outside to show them her flowers, picking fruit off her trees, taking them camping to Oregon and at the family ranch in Yorkville.

Her kind heart touched many lives. All who knew her loved her. She is missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

Survived by her daughters; Claudia Clow of Cloverdale and Joan Rose (Dean) of Boonville. Sons; Roger Walker of Santa Rosa, Robert Walker (Hilda) of Boonville, and Edward Walker of Boonville, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Brother Richard McAbee of Dunlap, CA, Sisters Marian Crosby of Boonville, and Sharon Hose of Mina, AR. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her loving husband Gene Walker of 73 years of marriage, infant daughter JoAnn, great grandson Blaze Rose and her parents Glenn and Arline McAbee.

A celebration of life will be held at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds Boonville, CA on Saturday November 8th 2025 at 1pm. Please bring a potluck dish and a good story about Berna.

Internment will be 11am at Evergreen Cemetery Boonville, CA

Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Hospice of Ukiah, AV Senior Center, or AV Historic Museum.