Jean M. (Smith) Burkey

On Sunday, April 2nd, 2017, Jean M. Smith Burkey, 97, of Elkhart, entered Enteral Life.

She was born on December 14, 1919 in Elkhart to Beryl (Netterer) and Ervin Smith. Jean graduated from Wittenburg University in Springfield, OH a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority, pursing a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

In August 1946, she married Edgar E. Burkey. For 35 years, Jean devoted her life to teaching first graders at Roosevelt School. Throughout her rewarding career, she touched the lives of many children.
Jean was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where she served on the council, taught Sunday school, was a catechism camp counselor and belonged to numerous committees.

An adventurous spirit with a love of travel, Jean and Ed traveled the world experiencing different cultures, meeting new friends and seeing amazing sights.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Randall Johnson. A cocker spaniel named Fannie added joy to her life.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the fabulous staff of Greenleaf Health Campus where Jean resided for the past 9 months. The care shown by this loving and concerned group of people was a real blessing. Special thanks to Heartland Hospice, as well.

A private funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, conducted by Pastor Dan Forehand of Grace Lutheran Church. Burial will take place in Rice Cemetery. A celebration of life open house is scheduled to take place at Greenleaf Health Campus, 1201 E. Beardsley Avenue, Elkhart, on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. We invite all to attend to celebrate a life truly well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church or the Elkhart County Humane Society.

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