Mrs. Zena Walker, 100, of Heidrick, the widow of Matt Walker, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 29, 2023 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born on June 15, 1922 in Kaleenen, Russia one of eight children.

After the Germans were defeated and freedom was given to the Russians, Zena worked at an American camp.  She would do whatever work they gave her to do.  She did laundry, ironed and even handed out coffee and donuts to the American troops as they passed through the area.  This is where she met her husband, Matt, who made deliveries for the Red Cross.  She could not speak English and he could not speak Russian, so they both learned to speak German and this is how they communicated.  On September 16, 1946, she arrived in America.  She united in marriage with Matt Walker and was married for over 50 years until his death in 1997.

Zena was a former greenhouse operator and member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  She enjoyed working in her yard.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Patricia Walker and family of Barbourville; her beloved congregation family and a host of dear friends.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Saturday, May 13 at 2 P.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.

Send a condolence to the family of ZENA WALKER.

For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.