Connie Burke 1934-2020

Connie L. Burke, 85, of Holton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at her home with family by her side.

She was born Dec. 19, 1934, in Wallace County, the daughter of William Eli and Alberta Juanita (Bolen) Blackwell. The family left western Kansas when Connie was 17. They moved to a farm north of Larkinburg.

Connie graduated from Holton High School in 1952 and went to work in Topeka. Soon after she met the love of her life, Eldon (Stoney) Ora Burke, and they married on June 20, 1954 in Larkinburg. He preceded her in death on July 11, 2018, after 64 memorable years together. She was also preceded in death by her son, Lonnie Dean Burke; two sisters, Glea Ashley and Lacinda Hope; and four brothers, Billie, Robert, Terry and Ronnie Blackwell and infant brother Danny Blackwell.

Connie loved caring for her flowers, fishing, camping and refinishing antique furniture. She also enjoyed a 23-year career with Hallmark Cards in Topeka. But most of all she loved Eldon and the rest of her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Debra Likins (Lee) of Bonner Springs; two sisters, Darlene Gartner (John) of Topeka and Glenda Hase (Kenny) of Rossville; a brother, Ricky Blackwell of Springfield, Mo.; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements.

Due to the critical situation we all are in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website. Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)