Burkett, Kathleen 1943-2017

BURKETT, OTTO, MCGINN, SIMBRO, COOPER, MCELROY, SEE, LONG, SMITH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 5/14/2018 at 09:53:48

The Poweshiek County CR
Nov. 29, 2017

KATHLEEN "KATHY" BURKETT, 74

Kathleen "Kathy" Burkett, 74, of Grinnell, died on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at her home.

A graveside service was held Monday, November 20, 2017, at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell with Rev. Scott Surovec, pastor of the Grinnell Christian Church and Rev. John Epperson, officiating.

Friends called at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell on Sunday and the family was present at the funeral home Sunday evening.

Memorials may be directed to Project Alive or to the Hunter Syndrome Foundation and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Kathy was born on November 9, 1943, in Grinnell, Iowa to Harry and Mildred McGinn Otto. She was raised in Brooklyn and later moved with her family to Grinnell where she graduated from Grinnell High School in 1962.

On November 24, 1961, she was united in marriage to Shelby Gene Burkett in Grinnell. The family made their home in Grinnell and were the parents of three children, Kristi, Marvin and Jeffrey. She worked in the food service of the Grinnell-Newburg School District and for Grinnell College. Kathy and Shelby owned and operated the Grinnell-Poweshiek Ambulance Service and prior to her retirement she worked in the claims department of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. She retired in 2009.

Kathy had a strong faith and was a member of the Grinnell Christian Church. She enjoyed needle work, carfts, reading and "shop hopping" with her girlfriends.

Survivors include her husband, Shelby Burkett of Grinnell; one daughter, Kristi Burkett of West Des Moines, IA; two sons, Marvin (Nina) Burkett of Grinnell, IA and Jeffrey (Krista) Burkett of Newport News, VA; eight grandchildren, Deserae Simbro, Spencer Cooper, Brittney McElroy, Kalee Burkett, Lauren see, Malissa Burkett, Jarin Burkett and Levi Burkett; six great grandchildren, Laketon Long, Isabella Long, McKenzie McElroy, Brantley McElroy, Samantha McElroy and Riley Simbro; and one sister, Sharon Smith of Adel, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Ernie and Kenneth Otto.