Eva Dow Walden, 91, of Olton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Olton, Texas.  Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, at Olton Methodist Church with Brother Kyle Brock officiating and under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors

Eva was born October 29, 1933, in Dalhart, Texas, to Owen "Jack" and Jessie Lou (Caldwell) Osburn. She graduated from Lovington High School in 1951 and went on to attend West Texas State, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Paul Walden. They were married on April 4, 1953 and recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. They enjoyed bridge nights with friends, archaeological expeditions, and even built their home by hand, where they lived together for 60 years.

Eva had a deep love of learning and creativity. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from West Texas State, later receiving a master's degree in English literature and a degree in folk art. She was a talented artist and potter who also taught English from 1969 to 1979, leaving a lasting impression on her students. In 1980, Eva opened the Springlake Store, which she owned and operated for 20 years. The store quickly became the heart of the community and Eva cherished the people of Springlake and had a lasting effect on the community

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they all looked forward to her cooking—especially her gourmet macaroni and cheese and homemade pies. She and Paul were passionate about football, attending high school and college games for years. They loved cheering on their grandson Aaron during his time at Memphis High School and rarely missed a game.

Eva was incredibly intelligent, quick-witted, and known for her waggish sense of humor. Her presence brought joy and laughter to those around her and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Martha Ann Land and Dorthy Lu Ake, a brother, Billie Frank Osburn, and a cousin, Mary Ellen Caldwell

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Paul Walden of Olton; her daughters, Syrena Carol Jurries and husband Stanley of Plainview, Cindy Campbell of Lamesa, and Leasa Walden of Roswell, New Mexico; her sister, Mary Jane Fisher of Lovington, New Mexico; six grandchildren: Brian Jurries and wife Melissa, Joshua Jurries, Kristen Vargas, Aaron Campbell and wife Emily, Jacob Brodbeck, and Eric Brodbeck; and eight great-grandchildren: Adeline, Olivia, Martha, Raymond, Elizabeth, Levi, Morgan, and Cory.