Marietta R Walla

Graveside service for Marietta Ruth Walla will be 2:30p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, August 21 from 1pm-7pm. Marietta passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. She was 88.

Born on August 10, 1937, in Newton, Kansas, she was the daughter of Archie Eugene and Ruth (Wimmer) Porter. Growing up on a farm, Marietta learned valuable life lessons that she carried throughout her journey, shaping her into the devoted caregiver and strong-willed individual she became.

Marietta's career was her unwavering dedication to her family. She was a wonderful mother who ensured her children received the best she had to offer. Her love for her family was evident and it was her greatest joy. On May 25, 1959, Marietta married her loving husband, Donald James Walla, in a ceremony in Wichita, Kansas. Donald was a source of love and support, providing well for their family throughout their life together. In her early adult years, Marietta briefly married George White, to whom a daughter was born. However, it was her life with Donald that truly defined her family legacy. Together, they created a nurturing environment for their children.

Marietta's vibrant spirit extended beyond her family. She had an adventurous side, particularly during camping trips where she embraced life to the fullest, even riding a motorcycle intended for her children. While she had a healthy respect for water—refusing to swim or ski—she found great joy in outdoor activities. Gardening was a passion she pursued with flair, canning much of the produce she grew. Her love for cooking was matched only by her delight in large gatherings, as she thrived in the company of family and friends. She also took pleasure in quilting and crocheting, creating lasting memories with each stitch.

Her personality radiated strength and adaptability. Marietta approached daily life as an adventure, and her determination inspired all who crossed her path. She cherished her time with family and made each moment count, embodying the essence of resilience and love.

Marietta’s legacy continues through her children, Vonda Taylor and husband Michael, Donald Walla and wife Traci, and Evona Newby and husband Don, grandchildren, Michael Eugene Taylor, Amber Lynn Taylor-Buffington, Thomas Scott Walla, Anthony Eugene Walla, Sarina Marie Sanchez, David James Callaway, Elaine Marie Callaway, Ashley Lynn Lowery, Launa Newby, Tish Newby, and Gel Newby. Her great-grandchildren, Zachary Lewis Taylor, Autumn Nicole Taylor-Buffington, Riley Sheridan Taylor, Darby Shae Taylor, Callie Rae Sanchez, Elena Marie Sanchez, Mckenzie Nichole Walla, Devin Walla, Connor James Callaway, Seth Dean Callaway, Amelia Jean Callaway, Paisley Marie Royal, Jayden Richard Lowery, Lillian Grace Ricks, Zia Lowery, and Zechariah Lowery will carry forward her memory.

Marietta was preceded in death by her parents, Archie Eugene and Ruth (Wimmer) Porter; her biological mother, Jesse Porter; her husband, Donald James Walla; her great-grandson, Bishop Hayden Harris; and her siblings, Elvin Porter, Verna Leckington, and Arley Porter.

She will be remembered not only for her nurturing spirit but for the indelible marks she left on the hearts of those who loved her. Marietta Walla’s life was a testament to the power of family, love, and resilience. Her memory will continue to resonate through the stories and traditions she fostered, and she will be missed dearly by all who had the honor of knowing her.