Shirley Burkett
May 30, 2014
Shirley Rae Larsen Burkett was born on September 28, 1935 in Waterloo, IA, and adopted as an infant by Mildred and Raymond Larsen. She passed away May 30, 2014, at University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Shirley grew up in Cedar Falls where she graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1953. She graduated from Grand View College in Des Moines with a teaching degree in Elementary Education. At Grand View, Shirley was President of the college’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
On June 16, 1956, Shirley married her beloved husband, Raymond William Burkett. They became the parents of Jeffrey Paul Burkett (Connie), Julie Rae Brown (Craig), and Jonay Marie Burkett (Mike).
Shirley taught in the Saydel Consolidated School District before becoming a secretary at Meredith Publishing Company and Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. After being a stay-at-home Mom, Shirley became her husband’s pharmacy tech at Mercy Hilltop Clinic Pharmacy.
Shirley enjoyed reading, embroidering, traveling, and her annual fishing trip in northern Minnesota with Raymond. The Burkett’s have been members of Union Park United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
Survivors include her husband, Raymond, three above mentioned children, five grandchildren, Christopher Burkett (Heidi), Megan Burkett, Lily Brown, Dylan and Dallas Winter; as well as one great-granddaughter, Nora Burkett.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Westberg and his nurse Jan, as well as Dr. Todd Jensen for their many years of compassion and devoted care of Shirley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Chapter of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Society for research, or Union Park United Methodist Church.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim Mills
06/07/2014
Ray, Jeffrey and Family,
I was very saddened to hear of Shirley's passing. It has been a very long time since our paths last crossed but I remember well your friendship and kindness. I know how strong your family ties are and hope that this will help you to find the peace in her passing.
Sincerest condolences, Jim Mills
Dale and Eneken (Kadi) Wakelin
06/04/2014
Our condolences and prayers - to you Ray, on the loss of Shirley - also our condolences to Julie, Jeff and Jonay and the kids.
Kadi and I go back a long way with you and Shirley - Kadi and both of you at Hilltop Clinic and then Mercy Hilltop Clinic.
Our Friday evenings together at Maxie's and all the races - INDY "5OO" multiple times - THE DAYTONA 500 - NASCAR multiple locations. What a wonderful friendship and relationship we had together. We will surely miss SHIRLEY.
Our love to you at this time - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dale and Eneken (Kadi) Wakelin
Tammi (Reed) Reynolds
06/03/2014
Ray and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in our prayers as you grieve. Much love to you all,
Ciel and Gary Friess
06/03/2014
Jeff, Connie and kids,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Harvey and Carol Andersen
06/03/2014
Dear Ray, Very saddened to read on the Des Moines Register website of Shirley's passing. Harvey has fond memories of Shirley at Grand View and later of the two of you at Danish Brotherhood activities and as gracious hosts in your home. We remember both you and Shirley as cheerful, kind and caring friends. Shirley was "special" in every way. Deepest Sympathy from Harvey and Carol in Palestine, Texas.
Paula Campos
06/03/2014
Jonay, so sorry to hear of your loss. When taking care of your mom, I could see the love she had for you and your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Hutchinson
06/03/2014
Ray and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Shirley was a wonderful woman with such a kind way about her. I know she will be missed by all that knew her.
Hope Green
06/03/2014
Jonay,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy & Joe Shepard
06/03/2014
Shirley was our hero, mentor, and wonderful friend. She never complained about her condition and was always cheerful even though we knew she was in a lot of pain. She inspired us to be better caring people. Her devotion to you, Raymond, was an inspiration to us. On the other hand, you had such respect and caring for her you truly led by example and emulated what all couples should be like. We loved her and will miss her.
Kent & Dawn Keeler, Driftwood Lodge
06/01/2014
Ray, we are so sorry to hear about Shirley. We have many fond memories of her. She was a beautiful lady.