Datha A. Burkett

Datha A. Burkett, 89, of Allegheny Road, Manns Choice, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law.  She was born March 10, 1922 in Hyndman, daughter of the late Millard G. and Kate N. (Reese) Shaffer.  On March 23, 1943 in Stockton, CA, she married Howard L. Burkett, and he preceded her in death on May 17, 2005.  She is survived by a son Charles H. Burkett, married to the former Brenda Frankenberry of Manns Choice, and a daughter Kay wife of John H. Fair of Everett.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Mindy wife of Joseph Petramalo, Brandon and wife Danielle, Benjamin, Justin, Makayla, Rachel, Hannah Burkett and John R. Fair and wife Camille, and a brother Wayne A. Shaffer, married to the former Betty Miller of Bedford, two great grandchildren Alivia Petramalo and Owen Harclerode.  She was preceded in death by three sisters; Dorothy Devore, Martha Cook and Lena McGee.

Mrs. Burkett was actively involved with the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Hyndman and Bedford County Grange.  She had worked at Celanese in Cumberland for eight years, and was a co-owner of a dairy and maple sugar farm, at the New Hope Farm. She volunteered with the agricultural extension service and 4-H programs, and served as  a missionary for the Church, working with the Navajo Indians in Arizona after her retirement.  She was also involved with the Harrison-Manns Choice Community Center and Senior Center. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.  Mrs. Burkett will always be known for her loving service that she so willingly gave to others.

Funeral services Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Bedford, with Presiding Branch President, Raymond Shephard officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Thursday, from 4-8 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.