Edith Burnett
Edith Burnett, age 87, of Bourbon, MO, passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at Cuba Manor, Cuba, MO.
Edith Louise Richters was born on February 5, 1932 in Leasburg, MO, the daughter of Walter H. and Viola (Hamlin) Richters. She lived her early years in Steelville, MO, before moving to their home in the Forest Hill area. Edith graduated from Bourbon High School in 1950 and worked at the Bank of Bourbon. Edith was united in marriage to Melvin Erni Burnett in June 1951 and four children were born to their union: Gay, Deborah, Thomas and Richard. They lived their entire life on their farm in Bourbon and were married 60 years when Melvin passed away.
Edith worked as a bookkeeper in the office of the local Chrysler car dealership until her retirement. However, her passion was her work and affiliation with the Order of Eastern Star, of which she was a 50-year member. She began her progression in the Sullivan Chapter and was elevated thru Missouri Grand Chapter becoming Worthy Grand Matron of the state of Missouri in 1986. Edith loved her home and farm and liked naming the calves. She helped in many ways with the farm operations. With the progression of Alzheimer’s, leaving her home was one of the most difficult decisions.
Edith is survived by two daughters, Gay Cunningham and significant other, Ross Pulvere, of Saint George, UT, and Deborah Sampson and husband, Dennis, of Salem, IL; five grandchildren: Christopher Cunningham of Park City, UT, Clayton Cunningham of Kenai, AK, Darren Dwyer of Salem, IL, Derek Burnett and wife, Madison, of Kansas City, KS, and Madeline Burnett of Springfield, MO; one great-grandchild, Haiden Cunningham of Park City, UT; one sister, Ruth Branson of Bourbon, MO; and one brother, Walter Richters of Arizona; many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Erni Burnett; two sons, Thomas A. Burnett and Richard I. Burnett; her parents, Walter H. and Viola Richters; one sister, Carole Sue Bandy; and one son-in-law, Gary L. Cunningham.
Funeral Services were conducted 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Ed Carter as the officiant. Burial followed in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Sullivan.
Visitation was held from 4:30-8 p.m., Monday, July 29, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions, in Mrs. Burnett’s memory, may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends may send online condolences to Edith’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.