Frances Krenek Walker was the tenth of eleven children, born to Gabriel and Annie Snapka on Mar. 15, 1931, in West, Texas. Her father immigrated from Czechoslovakia, and her mother was a first generation native of Texas of family also from Czechoslovakia.

As a daughter of sharecroppers, growing up on the family farm in Penelope, Texas, all of the children were familiar with hard work. Her father, an accomplished musician, also instilled a love of Czech music into his children. The children often lined up to sing Czech folk songs in the evening and at family gatherings and dances. From this, Frances developed a lifelong love of dancing; in her early years the polka; later square dancing; west-coast country; waltz; if there was music, she could dance to it.

In 1948, at the age of seventeen, Frances married Clement Henry Krenek, of Fayetteville, TX. In 1953, in search of work, the couple and their three young children moved to the farming community of Orland, CA. Clem initially worked as a farm laborer, then learned the trade of carpentry and cabinet making; and ultimately becoming a licensed custom home builder in the area.

By 1956, France was a fulltime homemaker to her four children: Kenneth, Anna, David, and Linda and resided on a farm outside Hamilton City, CA. Frances was a homemaker of many skills: baking (especially traditional Czech breads & pastries); quilting; sewing; and upholstering; gardening and preserving food; raising poultry, for meat and eggs; general repairs; and vermin elimination (yes, handy with a 22).

Frances and Clem divorced in the 70’s. She remained in Hamilton City taking employment as a grocery store clerk, and eventually a fulltime position at Continental Nut Company (CNC) in Chico, CA, where she worked as a processing line supervisor, until its closure in 1983. She then found employment as a cook and housekeeper for the Country House, an elder care facility, in Chico. With the encouragement of the owner, she was able to realize a lifelong dream of working in health care; by receiving her Certified Nurses Aide license in 1987. This enabled her to later secure a job at Enloe Hospital as an in-home health care provider. Frances eventually left Enloe, transitioning into private in-home health care. She developed many strong bonds with her patients; and their family members, that she maintained until her passing.

In 1972, while employed by CNC, Frances purchased her forever home in Chico. There she lived for the next 53+ years doing all the things she loved: gardening, especially flowers and roses; caring for a line of companion pets; and engaging with friends and neighbors.

While attending a social dance, Frances met her long-time friend and soulmate, Roy Samuel “Sam” Walker. Sam often sang and played the piano with a small band for local dances in Durham, Oroville, and Chico. They married in 2008 and together they enjoyed his passion for raising horses, dancing, music, and travel until his death in 2010.

Along with all of her children and their spouses, survivors include 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many dear friends at Our Divine Savior Church. Frances was an active member of the Catholic Daughters, they will hold a remembrance service in honor of Frances on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Address:  566 E. Lassen Ave., Chico, CA

Times:  08:00 a.m. Rosary in the church before mass

                 08:30 a.m. Remembrance Mass

                 09:15 a.m. Reception in the Parish Hall

Your attendance at any, or all, of the above in remembrance of our mother would be comforting to the family. Mother’s wishes for donation were for Our Divine Savior’s, youth programs, or a charity of your choice.