Lana Beth Hibdon Walts, 71, of Utopia, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Feb. 1, 2022.

Lana Beth was born on Oct. 17, 1950, in Uvalde, Texas, to Allen and Jewel Hibdon. On Jan. 8, 1972, she married the love of her life, John Edwards Walts. John was 19 and Lana Beth was 21 when they married in the La Pryor Baptist Church 50 years ago.

Lana Beth and John had two biological sons and one adopted son, all of whom she loved dearly: John Allen and Cody, and Angel Journey.

Lana Beth graduated from La Pryor High School as valedictorian in 1969 and from Southwest Texas State University in 1972. She taught elementary school across the state of Texas, teaching countless students the basics.

One first-grader warned a friend, "Watch out for Mrs. Walts: she'll teach you to read whether you want to or not." She was tireless in her efforts, even developing arthritis from flipping so many flash cards through the years.

Lana Beth had so many ministries: family, friends, food, seeing needs not apparent to most….But let's talk about the food: if you lived around the Waltses at any time, you can agree that Lana Beth was a wonderful cook. And you could probably cover Texas from East to West with the number of brownies she baked, with plenty of fried venison thrown in!

Lana Beth was active in Living Waters Church, where she loved Jesus and this special, loving, accepting congregation. She also developed friendships with the delightful people to whom she delivered Meals on Wheels as well as with her very special Bible Study Girls. She was and always will be Mama Walts to many.

Sitting in her rocking chair on her front porch with Papa Bear (John), and sometimes with family and friends, while drinking coffee and watching all the well-fed "critters" was a particular love of Lana Beth's. She also reveled in all kinds of gardening, and created a lovely paradise in their yard with lots of delicious, nutritious veggies in her garden.

Lana Beth cherished her grandchildren. Lily, her only granddaughter, said she became a Christian because of her Nana, since she always welcomed everyone with open arms. Lily also loved how Lana Beth taught her to always choose joy, no matter what, with all the lessons seasoned with some cooking and baking!

Lily said Nana was her best friend. Grandsons Blain and Brody adored their cheerleading Grammy, who loved telling of their awesome athletic feats, as well as their tender-hearted and loving sides. And Avery was a sweetheart who was too soon separated from Nana.

Lana Beth is preceded in death by her parents Allen and Jewel Hibdon and her son John Allen. She is survived by her husband John; son Cody and his wife Tiffany and their sons Blain and Brody of Garden City; John Allen's daughter Lily, of Sealy; adopted son Angel Journey and his wife Marci and their son Avery of Georgetown; and John Allen's fiancee Lindsey Bridwell and her sons Jade and Caden of Leander.

She is also survived by her sisters LaNell Champion and her husband Syl of Jacksonville, Oregon, and Allene Hunter and her husband Bob of La Pryor, as well as many nieces and nephews, each of whom has a story about how she made them feel special.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Living Waters Church in Utopia, officiated by Robert Richarz. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Water Hole. PO Box 532 Utopia, Texas 78884, to support the Casa Angelina orphanage in Guatemala.

Lana Beth's family is thankful to the many friends who reached out to and supported the Waltses during Lana Beth's illness. You brought help, joy, and love when we all needed them the most. We are forever grateful.