Mary Jane Walter, 86, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on April 26, 1938 in Sycamore, Illinois, the daughter of the late Anthony and Elvira (Klemm) Umbdenstock. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph G. Walter. Also preceded in death by her sisters Sheryl (the late John) Montavon and Carol (the late Hank) Kohley; her brothers Tony (Pat) Umbdenstock and Ralph (Judy) Umbdenstock; and son-in-law Todd (Barb) Yopst.

      She is survived by her six daughters: Anne (Pat) Balsley, Marcia (Steve) Wessels, Barb (Glenn) Bolander, Mary Kay (Mark) Biernacki, Debbie (Rick) Boesche, and Janice (Chuck) Benson; 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Loving sister to Kathy (the late Dave) Belsches, Nancy Walter, Josephine Sprovieri, Rita (Dave) Campbell, and Helen (Dan) Umbdenstock-Olson. 

      She was united in marriage to Joe on January 24, 1959 in Maple Park, Illinois. Mary Jane was a dedicated and loving wife for 64 wonderful years. She raised her family in DeKalb, Illinois where she and her husband farmed for over 40 years. She and Joe moved to Salem, Missouri in 1996 where they enjoyed their retirement while being active in the church and various community organizations. They moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2022. 

      Mary Jane was devoted to God and her Catholic faith. Her family was precious to her. She taught her girls to be strong, independent women; to share their talents, be kind to others and always think for themselves. She adored each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and had many awesome experiences and great memories together. She knew everyone’s birthday and anniversary by heart and celebrated with them. In her early years, she worked hard raising a family; gardening and canning in the summers and cooking and delivering elaborate meals to the fields during the farming season. Mary had a servant’s heart; volunteering for Hospice, the CASA program and so many church events and activities throughout the years. She belonged to home extension, garden club and the Red Hat Society. She loved hosting family and friends at her home. When they moved to Missouri, it became a vacation spot. There was always

canoeing, fishing, state parks and walking around their property to add to the fun. Mary stayed highly active and enjoyed swimming, all kinds of arts and crafts, playing games, going to the theatre and museums, vacationing and taking her daily walks in nature. She loved to socialize, experience new adventures, and never miss out on anything. She had many dear friends whom she loved and cared for. Mary touched so many lives; each one in her own unique way. We will forever carry her in our hearts as we celebrate her journey home to heaven.

      A funeral mass will be held on March 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in DeKalb, Illinois followed by interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Chapel, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 602 W. Butler St., Salem, MO 65560.