Beatrice “Bea” Walton, 96, passed from this life to the next on Monday, May 14, 2018. Funeral Mass with Father DeWayne Adams officiating will be held Thursday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in Breckenridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Walton family home, 1502 W. Elm, Breckenridge from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. Arrangements are under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. 

Beatrice “Bea” Blankenstein Walton was born Oct. 19, 1921 in Temple, to Ernest and Nora Blankenstein. After her parents divorced she went to live with a paternal aunt and uncle, Eda and Ben Albright. She attended Temple schools and graduated from Temple High School in 1938. 

She attended Mary Harden Baylor College and in 1940 got a secretarial job at the Agricultural Adjustment Administration at College Station. While there, she met the love of her life, W.W. “Bill” Walton. They were married on July 3, 1943 in Houston. 

Three days after they were married, Bill was sent to Fort Sill, Okla., to Officers Candidate School and she continued to work at the AAA until he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then sent to Camp Polk, La. While there, Bea worked as a medical secretary at Camp Polk Station Hospital. Bill was sent overseas in November 1944 and Bea returned to Temple to live with her aunt and uncle and got a job as a medical secretary at McCloskey General Hospital. 

Bill returned from overseas in February 1946 and they returned to College Station so that he could complete his degree. While there, Bea again returned to work at the AAA. They moved to Breckenridge in June 1947. 

Bea joined the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in June 1949 and became a very active member. She served on the Altar Guild for 58 years and was treasurer of the Women’s Organization for many years. She helped start and organize the Bargain Box in 1963 and served as chairman until recently. She was a former member of the Breckenridge Women’s Club and the Woman’s Forum. She played golf and was a member of two bowling leagues. She also loved to play contract bridge. 

 She was preceded in death by her Aunt Eda and Uncle Ben and her husband Bill Walton. 

She is survived by one son, John Walton of Abilene, and one daughter, Frances Wood of Mineral Wells. She is also survived by six granddaughters and one grandson as well as 13 great-grandchildren. 

The family wishes to express their undying gratitude for the angelic caregivers who assisted us with Bea’s continuing care over the last few years. Heartfelt thanks to Connie Escalon, Secorra Villa, Patsy Madison and Toni Miller. We are forever grateful for your kindness.

In addition, the family wishes to thank Solaris Hospice, and especially Brittany, Cassidy, Carmen and Karen for their quick response in aiding us with Bea’s comfort and the loving care they showed in helping her transition from this earthly life to her Heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the St. Andrews Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.