Obituary of Evelyn May Burkey

Evelyn May Harmon was born in Monroe on March 18, 1939. She was born from the union of the late George Harmon and Dora (Dutt) Harmon. Evelyn attended Monroe Public Schools.

She married her true love, the late Hilton Burkey on June 27, 1959.   From this union came the birth of six beautiful children:  John, Janet, Hilton Jr., Brenda, Karen, and Nancy.   Evelyn cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker.   She was loving, caring, and supportive.   She was always generous providing them with all they needed.   Evelyn was an excellent cook often opening her home for family gatherings.   She especially loved the opportunity to host Christmas each year.  

Evelyn enjoyed staying active.   She enjoyed travel, visiting casinos, and camping.   She was an avid crafter.   Evelyn loved to be outside and was gifted with a green thumb as she tended to her flower garden.    

Recently, she had moved to Fountain View for her care.   During her stay there, Evelyn was quite involved in Bible Study contributing to her faithful service to her Lord and Savior.

Evelyn May Burkey, age 78, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Fountain View of Monroe.   In addition to her parents and husband; her passing was preceded by brother:  Tom Harmon, sisters:  Patricia Cloum, Dolores McNeil; and brother-in-law:  Kenneth Coss.

To cherish her memory, Evelyn leaves her children: John (LeaAnn) Burkey of Dundee, Janet (Tracy) Phillips of Petersburg, Hilton (Peggy) Burkey Jr. of Georgia, Brenda (Glen) Hoppert of Ida, Karen (Rick) Schlump of Monroe, and Nancy (Tim) Rose of Ida; a sister: Carol Coss of Meres, Michigan; a brother: James  (Paula) Roy of South Carolina; brother in-laws: Carl (Donna) Burkey of Monroe, Anthony Cloum of Monroe; sister in-laws: Phyllis Burkey of Monroe, Dorthy Burkey of Monroe, Hazel Griffin of Ida, Maryann (Joe) Hess of LaSalle, Nancy Harmon of Canton Ohio; sixteen grandchildren:  Julie, Jennifer, Chad, John, Nicole, Daniel, Curtis, Alexander, Glen, Erica, Missy, Cassi, Ashley, Lindsey, Chelsea, and Jamie; and twenty great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Friends may gather on Sunday, July 2, 2017 from 2:00-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070.   She will Lie in State from 10:00 a.m. until A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Monday, July 3, 2017 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Cindy Semran of Crosswalk Community Church officiating.   Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery.   

Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com.   The Burkey Family is extremely grateful to the staff of Fouintain View of Monroe for the exceptional care they provided to Evelyn and the family.