LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Grace Kingsley Walker, who designed the first Kentucky Derby victory blanket of roses over 50 years ago, died Monday in Baptist Hospital East.
She was 88.
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Walker, who operated the Kingsley Walker Flowers shop, designed and sewed the first victory blanket in 1932 and each year after that until she retired in 1974.
Her daughter, Betty Korfhage, took over the shop and production of the blanket when her mother retired, but Walker usually visited the shop each year at Derby time to supervise the work.
In addition to her daughter, Walker is survived by four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Pearson's Funeral Home, with burial in Louisville's Cave Hill Cemetery.
