Mary L. Burkhiser's Obituary
Mary L. Burkhiser, age 81 of Centerville, passed away August 27, 2007 at the Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.
Mary was born April 5, 1926 near Plano, Iowa the daughter of Ralph and Lelah (Linder) Derrickson. She graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1943. She was united in marriage on January 3, 1946 to Charles Burkhiser Jr. They farmed the Burkhiser Family Century Farm in Franklin Township for 46 years. After her beloved husbands death on February 8, 1992 she sold the farm and moved to Centerville.
Mary was actively involved in the operation of the farm also raising a large vegetable and flower garden. Mary was president of the WSCS when they belonged to the Seymour Methodist Church. She served as Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1975 and as mother advisor of the Seymour Rainbow Girls for three years. In 1977 they affiliated with the Centerville OES and was Worthy Matron in 1978, 1982 and 1984. She was an officer each year until 1991, when her husband came ill they spent the time at their farmhouse. Mary served on the Extension Council, the Farmers Home Administration Board, and was president for the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary in 1974 and 1975. She was also helpful in getting the Farmers Market organized in 1979. She served several years on the Centerville Housing Board. Mary was also president for and a member of the Chapter KA PEO for two years. Mary and Charles were also concerned with the preservation of the land, preservation of the wildlife on their farm and the Cover Farm, which they operated for several years.
Besides her beloved husband she was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Lelah Derrickson; a two year-old brother, Billie Earl; and a sister, Marie Dunshee in 1994. Mary is survived by a brother, Bob Derrickson of Joplin, Missouri; a sister, Vickie Cingerich of Nissawa, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, James A. Dunshee of Raymore, Missouri;many nieces and nephews, several neighbors, friends and special Class Reunion friends, who meant so very much to her.
For several years Mary was plagued with severe arthritis, which limited her activities.
Graveside services will be held 10 AM, Thursday, August 30, 2007 at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa. A visitation will be held at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, Wednesday, August 29, 2007 from 6-8 PM with the Centerville Chapter # 239 Order of the Eastern Star holding a service at 7 PM. A memorial has been established to the Drake Public Library, Appanoose Historical Society, or the Oakland Cemetery Association and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.
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