SALEM - Gwen Rae Walker, 66, died April 16, 2026, at Salem Regional Medical Center.

Born on July 18, 1959 in Salem, Ohio, Gwen was the daughter of the late Robert and Janet (Headland) Faulkiner.

Gwen previosuly worked as a nurse's aide for Blossom Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and for Salem Parks & Recreation Department as a secretary. In her leisure time, she enjoyed painting ceramics, flower arranging, listening to music, especially her favorite artist Stevie Nicks, and the companionship of her dogs. She found joy in collecting Southwestern and Native American items, and affectionately referred to her daughters as her "two feathers."

Gwen is survived by her fiance, Edward Beight of New Middletown, OH; daughters, LaRae (Eric) Mattern of New Waterford, OH and Candis Peachey of Salem, OH; sister, Roberta (Jeff) Miller of Schertz, TX; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sydney) Mattern, Skyler Mattern, Gavin Mattern, Austin Byers, Autumn Byers, and Aubri Dietrich; great-grandchildren, Athena and Akira; and nieces and nephews, Justin, Patrick, Carli, and Jean.

In addition to her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her brother, Duane Miller; nephew, Tom; her former husband and father of her daugthers, Charles "Bud" Kasza; and her faithful companions, Bella and Shi.

Per Gwen's request, there will be no calling hours or service.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Gwen's obituary and send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.