Shirley Elaine Walker Van Ryswyk

Shirley Elaine Walker Van Ryswyk, age 78, met her Savior on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, in the arms of her beloved husband Carl Van Ryswyk in their loving home. Shirley was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on December 22, 1937, to Freda and Ervin Walker.

Mom was beloved by all! She was an amazing wife always supporting Dad in all his endeavors. She was a beautiful picture of unconditional love in always serving her family with such a beautiful spirit. She was the original Special Needs teacher always making sure our beloved Chris heard about Jesus. She had a huge heart for children and especially special needs children and adults.

When Mom and Dad first moved to Austin, she worked at Texas Municipal Retirement Systems, while also caring for 2 kids, while Dad went to school. She also studied at Austin Community College but her claim to fame was the PHT Degree-Putting Hubby Through. She later worked with Dad for C Van R Automotive, Western Auto, and White Instruments, serving as Office Manager, in charge of all Bookkeeping.

They were faithful servants at Kinney Avenue Baptist Church, Northwest Baptist Church and more recently at Park Hills Baptist Church, and she always enjoyed serving in WMU and with GA's. It was always her passion to share Jesus with children and could often be found teaching them.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Carl Van Ryswyk; daughter, Carla Dillard and husband Steve; sons, Jeff Van Ryswyk and wife Kim, Craig Van Ryswyk and wife Sheila, and Chris Van Ryswyk. She also had many wonderful grandchildren; Stephen Dillard, Callie and William Banowsky, Daniel and Sandy Dillard, Vandell Van Ryswyk, Caleb Van Ryswyk, Baylee Van Ryswyk, Lauren Van Ryswyk, Paige Van Ryswyk, Walker Van Ryswyk and a beautiful great granddaughter, Micah Joy Dillard. She was also so blessed with her extra grandchildren, Teresa Morgan and daughter, Ella Jane, Kouassi and Nathalie Fofie and son, Salomon and Kobenan Elijah. She is survived by her wonderful brother, Bruce Walker and wife Ila Walker; brother-in-law, John Van Ryswyk and wife Kay Van Ryswyk; her uncle, Norm Walker and wife Barb Walker; and many more wonderful family and friends, too many to list.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, October 28, 2016, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. There will be a Memorial Service honoring Shirley at 10:30 A.M., on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Park Hills Baptist Church at 900 South Mopac in Austin, Texas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Vandell Van Ryswyk, Stephen Dillard, Caleb Van Ryswyk, Callie Banowsky, Daniel Dillard, Lauren Van Ryswyk, Baylee Van Ryswyk, Paige Van Ryswyk, and Walker Van Ryswyk.