Mildred R. “Billye” Walker, 101, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw. She was formerly a resident at Wynnfield Senior Living and had lived in Rochester since 1946.

Billye was born Dec. 20, 1913, in Gillespie, Ill., the daughter of John E. and Julia T. (Gatton) McConnell. On Dec. 31, 1938, in Alton, Illinois, she married Cale B. Walker, Jr. He preceded her in death on June 6, 1990.

A few years after the family moved to Rochester she and her husband started a local business, The Airmarking Company. Upon retirement in 1979, their son, John, assumed ownership of the business which is still a part of the Rochester business community under different owners. The business provided summer employment for many area young men.

A sixty-nine year member of St. Joseph Church, she was active in the Rosary and Altar Society for many of those years. Billye enjoyed her bridge clubs, reading, table games with her family, and watching her favorite sports, including golf and Notre Dame football.

Survivors include one son: John C. (Carol) Walker, Rochester; two daughters: Nancy (Rick) J. Zimmerman Sr., Syracuse; Mary Lou Leavell (Tom) Bernett, Southern Pines, N.C.; nine grandchildren: Rick J. (Victoria) Zimmerman Jr., Ft. Thomas, Ky.; Ann T. Zimmerman, Fishers; Karen Sue Coffey, St. Joseph, Mich.; Colleen M. (Greg) Ehrnstrom, Louisville, Colo.; Tim (Leslie) Walker, Palm Harbor, Fla.; T.J. (Jerilyn) Leavell, Charleston, S.C.; Brett (Angie) Walker, Fort Wayne; Steve Leavell, Carthage, N.C.; Laura Bernett, Cortland, Ohio; ten great-grandchildren: Kaylee Walker; Mallory Ann Zimmerman; Caeden and Eryn Walker; Kate and Dylan Ehrnstrom; Olivia M. Leavell; Kendyl; Rylie; and Savannah Mason.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Cale; one daughter: Sue Ann Coffey Smith; one brother; and seven sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester, with Father Michael McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in the Rochester I.O.O.F Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are being made through Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.