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Funeral services for former Utah Gov. Olene Walker, the state's first female chief executive, will be held Friday at noon in a house of worship, following a public viewing Thursday evening in the Utah Capitol.
Walker died Saturday of natural causes following a long illness. She was 85.
The viewing is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Capitol's Gold Room and is open to the public. There also will be a viewing for family and friends Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. preceding the funeral at the Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 So. 2900 East, in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake County.
Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In a statement released Monday, the family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of friendship and support.
"The family wishes to express their thanks to the great citizens of Utah for their support and love throughout Olene's years of service. In lieu of flowers, please read with a child or send a contribution to the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service at Weber State University."
Among Walker's most notable accomplishments, in line with her main focus throughout her public service, was establishment of an early reading initiative in schools. She was famous for her constant coaxing of parents to read to their children at least 20 minutes a day, a practice she took to heart, appearing in many school classrooms and other venues with a book in her hand and a child in her lap.
Walker is survived by her husband of 61 years, Myron Walker, seven children, 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
A native of Ogden, Walker was sworn in as Utah's 15th governor on Nov. 5, 2003. She served in the state's office until January of 2004.
Prior to succeeding Gov. Mike Leavitt, Walker had served as lieutenant governor for 11 years. That followed eight years in the Utah House of Representatives, including one term as majority whip.
"Olene loved life and all that it had to offer. She was humble, gracious and kind in every endeavor," said the family in her obituary. "Olene dedicated her time to serving her family, church and community."
The obituary called her a "trailblazer in Utah politics … a statesman who led with compassion, grace and humor."
An online guestbook to post messages and tributes for the family is available at: http://www.HolbrookMortuary.com.