Grandma is practical but feisty, quick-tempered, and sticks to the straight and narrow; but she gets done what needs to get done. She’s just as quick to give a “Good Lord” as she is to give a good hug. And she’s always ready to dispense a healthy dose of sound wisdom to family, friends, and strangers alike.

INSP viewers chose their favorite Walton – here’s what some said about Grandma…

From ~ Tracy, Massachusetts

Ester Walton reminds me so much of my own Grandmother. She was tough as nails; you did what she told you to do. She loved you no matter what, and she was one strong woman. Even when life was rough she never complained. I loved her and My Grandmother, and we would always watch The Waltons together. May the both Rest in Peace. Xoxo.

From ~ Kate, Georgia

She is a woman that is a lot like me. Gruff and crotchety but full of love and acceptance.

From ~ Judy, Florida

I love Grandma because she always tries to do the right thing and makes sure all the children know about God and how to live right.

From ~ Paula, Ohio

My Mom and I watched this show together while I was growing up. When I became her caregiver in her later life everything she said and did reminded me of Ellen Corby and Esther Walton. She even gave my son the nickname of “The BOY,” and used a squeaky voice like she did. I now call my grandson Hunter-Boy. Thanks to these two wonderful women who showed me how to be brave, strong, and loving. I hope I can carry on this legacy. RIP Mom and Ellen Corby/ Grandma Walton.

From ~ James, Texas

Because it was her strength that held the Walton family together in hard times.

From ~ Brandi, Pennsylvania

I love grandma because of her faith in God, and how she takes care of her family, and how strong willed she is about her beliefs. She is one feisty lady. She is a strong, hardworking lady.

From ~ Barbie, Massachusetts

She’s opinionated and speaks her mind, but never loses sight of herself.

From ~ Emilie, Ohio

Because of her faith, and love for her family. The way she and Grandpa are together. I also like her feistiness.

From ~ Susan, Michigan

She reminds me of my Grandma very much. She is firm, funny, and has a very loving heart. Her determination and strength shines right through her.

From ~ Roy, Pennsylvania

She’s a pure delight, the way she keeps Zeb in hand and quietly leads the family. Her old time wisdom is priceless, and her faith in God never waivers through thick and thin. Besides, I just think she’s funny at times! Gotta love that woman!

From ~ Lois, West Virginia

Her spunk, her old fashioned values (which we could use today), her love of family and undying love for grandpa, her religious values…i never knew my grandparents…but wish she could have been.

From ~ Melissa, West Virginia

She was strong, courageous, and generous. Grandma Walton was the glue holding the family together.

From ~ Linda, Montana

Grandma had morals and she told things just the way they were. She did not let others change her mind about things.

From ~ Cindy, Tennessee

She is always sweet and sassy to all, but she helps them to grow and mature in everything they do and learn in everyday life.

From ~ Cynthia, North Carolina

Grandma’s character reminds me so much of my own grandmother that went to heaven in 1996. She has so much wisdom and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

From ~ Karen, North Carolina

‘Cause that is the way my grandma was; she loved the Lord with all her heart, but she could also get right fired up and when she did … look out!

From ~ Rickey, Indiana

Her Christian beliefs are close to my late grandmother. It was my grandmother’s prayers that helped set my feet on the path of righteousness. Like grandma Walton’s prayers helped shape her family.

From ~ William, Virginia

I like Grandma because she is very stern and firm but at the same time she is very loving and caring. I love the fact that she is devoted to her family and her beliefs.

From ~ Terry, Pennsylvania

Grandma was much like my real Grandmother, small in stature but large in character. Ellen Corby was the Worlds Grandma…and we are all richer for having her on The Waltons to make us smile, laugh & cry. She loved the fans like we all were her own children. How much better this world would be if we had more Grandmas around like Ellen Corby…goodnite Grandma.

From ~ Jaimie, Arkansas

I have always loved Grandma because of her dedication to her family and willingness to support Olivia Walton in caring for 7 children. She was a spit-fire and a strong Christian. She seemed like many of the older women I knew as a child. I am so glad Ellen Corby played her the way she did because she made her seem so real to me.

From ~ Cindy, Colorado

Grandma, because she reminds me of my Grandma Mae, with whom I spent many a summer tending to her garden and canning beets and pickles. My Grandmother was so warm to me and yet many people thought she was cold, and hard to get along with. Does it sound like someone on The Waltons? I enjoy watching the show each evening. I think of my Mom and how old she was at this time and it takes me back to my childhood and the memories of my Grandma. Comforting to know it is still being enjoyed today. I love you Grandma. Goodnight.

From ~ Nancy, Tennessee

The family values she instilled in John helped him deal with being a father and a husband through many of life’s difficulties. I like the way she can discipline a child with just a look or a word. We need more people like her in the world today–standing to do what’s right according to God’s word.

From ~ Kathy, Michigan

I really think grandpa and grandma go together. They are the back bone of the family. With the wisdom of their many years they help the kids, and in return they get the respect that they deserve as grandparents. Also, they remind me of my parents in so many ways.

From ~ Betty, South Carolina

She led you to believe that she was very stern and didn’t abide in idle foolishness. But the real grandma was a very caring and good hearted lady. Her family and religion was the most important things in her life. I would sum her up as being spry and full of spunk.

From ~ KariMarie, North Carolina

Ester Walton represents the Grandma that every child or adult would want as their Grandma. She shows the kind of leadership that you would expect from your Grandparent. You look to them for direction and guidance to help prepare yourself for the future. These are qualities Ester Walton displayed to all people, not just her family members. Her selflessness and kindness showed all of America how God would like all his children to be. In addition to entertainment and enthusiasm, every episode contains a lesson to be learned in life. Esters role almost always plays an integral part of how these life lessons are learned and dealt with. She is a true “Inspiration” to all Grandmothers!