DOWNEY - Longtime Downey resident Jane Davy Gray Walta passed away in her sleep during the early morning hours of Aug. 8. She was 97.Born in Huntington Park in 1912, she was the daughter of the Rev. Harry and Jenny Gray. The family built their home at 7903 E. 4th Place in Downey, where Walta lived until recently selling the home. Walta taught English and music at Downey High School for more than 30 years and was an active member of the JK Chapter of PEO Sorority. She was also a member of the Downey Symphony Guild, and was a longtime organist at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. A graduate of Mills College, Walta attained multiple degrees, including her masters of art in Music, a bachelors in both English and Music, and a minor in Latin. She was married 53 years to John C. Walta, an electrical engineer, and together they had one child, Patricia Jean Walta Shirley. Both have passed away. Jane Walta is survived by her grandchildren, John and Sandra Shirley, and David and Holly Johnson; great-grandchildren, Mallory and Trevor; and son-in-law David (Georgette) Shirley. Services will be held today at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Downey. Graveside services will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

********** Published: August 14, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 17