Mabel Alice Walker

Mabel Alice Walker, age 104, died November 22, 2018, in Sun City, AZ.Mabel Walker was born July 30, 1914 at Twin Falls, ID to James A. and Alice E. Norton Walker.Her family moved to Venita, OK, where she graduated from high school in 1932. She received her B.S. in Home Economics (1936) and completed the Hospital Dietetics Course in 1938 at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. During World War II, she first worked for the Oklahoma Ordinance Works, and then served in the U.S. Army Medical Dept. as a First Lieutenant Dietician in the 98th General Hospital, European Theater in France and Germany, and with the 220th General Hospital, Ft. Lewis, WA. After her discharge Mabel completed her Masters of Science from Oklahoma State University in 1948. She then worked as a Nutritionist, first at the Hawaii Agriculture Experiment Station, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, and (1962-1978) with the Consumer and Food Economics Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Hyattsville, MD. She evaluated food stamp and commodity distribution programs prior to the substantial Food Stamp legislation in 1964, and was named a Nutrition Program Officer in 1965 with responsibilities for research evaluation of food consumption and nutrient content of meals. She authored a number of papers and served as Executive Secretary to the Federal Interagency Committee on Nutrition Education. After retiring in 1978, Mabel moved from Washington, D.C. to Sun City, AZ, in 1980 where she enjoyed international travel and was active in All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church, Sun City, American Association of University Women, American Dietetic Assoc., Institute of Food Technologists, Daughters of the American Revolution, Prescott, and Chi Omega women's fraternity.The family wants to express appreciation to care givers, Helen and Daniel Heler, her family and staff at Orange Garden Assisted Living and Kent Court friends and neighbors, especially Betsi and Tootsie Packwood.Survivors include her Walker nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jane Walker Spahn, and two brothers, George A. Walker and Arthur N. Walker.