Cherie Rae Walker “Betiko,” 71

Cherie Rae Walker “Betiko,” 71, of Tama, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. Traditional Graveside Services was held Monday, April 17, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Wayne Pushetonequa as speaker. A Traditional Wake was held Sunday evening, April 16, 2023, at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement.

Cherie was born on May 6, 1951, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of John Johnson Sr. and Carol Pushetonequa.

She graduated from Chilocco Indian School in Kay County, OK.

Cherie was a care giver to her grandkids. She enjoyed going to the Meskwaki Bingo & Casino and was a Green Bay Packers fan.

Survivors include her children: Virgene (Scott) Smith, of Des Moines, Oshpuk Hubbard, of Lawrence, KS, Richard Horton, of MN, and Roger Walker, of Tama; twenty-four grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; siblings: Nancy Johnson, of Tama, Aries (Larry) Milton, of Des Moines, Brian Johnson, of Tama, Joleen Johnson, of Des Moines, Kristine (Vincent) Ivory, of Perry, Robert Johnson, of Des Moines, Colleen Johnson, of Des Moines, and Damon Gaines, of Des Moines; and host of numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Virgil Walker Jr.; brothers: John Johnson Jr., Loren Johnson, Terrance Keahna; grandparents, Virginia and Garnett Potts; and longtime companion, Roger Horton.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is assisting the family with the arrangements.