Viola Burkey

Viola Herald Burkey passed away at home on Sunday, August 11, 2019.  She was born April 29, 1938 on the family farm near Versailles, Illinois.    She was a faithful member of LaGrange Chapel and a prayer warrior.  Viola didn’t believe in letting the bad turns of life get you down. She was a fighter and a vibrant funny woman who believed in Christ.  She married Glen Burkey on October 5, 1957.  He proceeded her in death along with her parents Wayne and Zelma Herald, her brother Don, her sister Leta Walsh, 2 nieces Diane Walsh & Sandra Burkey, 1 nephew Gary Herald, father in law Walter and his wife Leila Burkey, an in-laws Ursel, Margot and Ruth Wade; and her childhood protector dog Rip and four other dogs. 

Viola spent many years working with her husband at St. Mary’s as a janitor, later a homemaker and mother.  She didn’t learn to drive until 1978.  She returned to work after Glen’s death as a housekeeper and babysitter for many people in Mt. Sterling.   She was gifted in talking to children and animals as if they understood her and they would stop to listen to her voice.  Also, she worked as head house keeper at the Land of Lincoln Motel until her retirement.  Viola enjoyed playing Bingo, Skip Bo and attending church.  She was a master at embroidery, making and gifting many of her homemade treasures to friends and family.  Viola loved traveling around the area on color drives, to craft shows, and eat at her favorite restaurant the Paloma Diner.  She was very proud of her daughter and encouraged her to attend and complete college as she had never had the opportunity to attend high school like her siblings.

She was loved by many for her strong vibrant personality, humor, prayers, intelligence, and inspiration even during the worst situations. And her homemade biscuits and rolls.

Survivors include her daughter Linda (David) Wade and her nephew Rodger (Marcie) Herald.  Rodger provided her with stories about her husband and father about things she never knew they had done.  Her good friend Mary Houston, Amy Richmiller -Sprenger and April Richmiller, sister in law Mary Herald, church family, nieces Patty Herald, Joyce Cooley, nephews David (Rhoda) Herald, Ed & Russell Walsh, cousins, and two cats.

A Celebration Dinner will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the Paloma Diner in Paloma, Illinois.

Per her request, private burial will be in the Hersman Cemetery in Hersman, Illinois.   There will be no visitation and the family requests no flowers.  Memorials can be made to the family to assist with the Celebration Dinner or for LaGrange Chapel.

Condolences may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.

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