ST. FRANCIS -- Mary Elizabeth Walden, 83, died Thursday (June 7, 2007) after a long battle with cancer.

She was born Aug. 27, 1923, to Minerva and Harry Gilliland in the Gilliland home south of Bird City. She attended Glendale School.

She married Rhesa Floyd Walden on March 3, 1945, in Souix Falls, S.D. They moved back to her family's homestead in 1949. She remained there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rhesa; five brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include her son, Eldon Walden and wife, Laura of Bird City; daughter, Carolyn Ratzlaff of Wamego, Kan., Becky and husband, Gene Metcalf of Escondido, Calif.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Knodel Funeral Home in St. Francis. Burial will be in Bird City Cemetery.

Knodel Funeral Home of St. Francis is in charge of arrangements.