Rita M. Burke's Obituary
Rita Marie Burke passed away at home with her loving family by her side, March 26, 2015. She was 84 years young. Born on May 27, 1930 in Chicago, Ill. to Calvin and Hannah Weibel, she graduated from high school and met the love of her life, Al Burke. They married September 2, 1950 and moved to Longview in 1974, where they have lived ever since.
Rita was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Longview. She loved to sew, and work puzzles, and spent many hours enjoying her garden. She and Al were regulars on the dance floor. Rita volunteered for the local Woman’s Shelter. She was a faithful and loving wife to her one and only love, Al. He truly was the fabric of her heart. She was a devoted mother to her family and anyone who had need. She will be very sorely missed.
Those left to cherish Rita’s memory are her loving husband of 64 years A.T. Burke, 6 daughters: Maureen Wilson, Maggie O’Malley, Therese Graves and her husband Kevin, Jeanne French and her husband Frank, Patty Burke, and Katie Spellman and her husband Jim. Rita is also survived by many grand and great grandchildren and 2 brothers and 1 sister: Ronny Johnson and his wife Donna, Kenny Johnson and his wife Fran, and Leanne Grove and her husband Larry.
Rita’s parents, her brother Robert Weibel and her son Danny Burke all precede her in passing.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation from 6pm-8pm Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Her funeral service will be Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2 pm, also at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Officiating will be Reverend Mark Kusmirek of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow the service at Rosewood Park.
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