Mary Rosetta Burkett

We were raised by a woman that was hard to impress. Mary Rosetta Burkett. She spoke firmly and directly, never leaving her thoughts to the imagination. You knew exactly how she felt about you immediately. Being with Mary was a bit like swimming against the river current—every once in a while, you would make headway. This was a direct result of her being a true badass in her younger years…

She had seen and done it all…In her early days Mary could be spotted driving her dark blue corvette, her feathered hair blowing in the wind, her midriff bare in an array of stylish tops as she traveled to the next hot dance spot. She always preferred a live band or concert, but a jukebox could get her dancing just as fast. She carried her personal pool stick in the car. She was ready for any challenge to break it out, call her shot and put you to shame.

She spent very little time being still…Along with her husband Harry, she spent most days on Harley rides, parasailing, water skiing, cave exploring, cross country van travels and speed boat trips. Most of the time she managed to bring all three kids along for the adventures. As a hobby she was a runner, running more than two miles daily into her late 50’s. Life was always just a tad too exciting.

In her later years, Mary enjoyed a slower life by the River, in the house that Harry and her built with their bare hands. Her quiet days were filled with working up until the very end and relaxing on her porch. She kept a supply of Klondike bars, Slim Jims and Barq’s Root beer for her visitors. She never met a Coors original she didn’t like and Marlboro Reds were kept burning… Mary was cut from a different cloth.

She reserved her biggest smiles for dogs, babies and any mention of Elvis Presley. Instead of passing down family recipes or sharing a “girl day”, she passed down determination, an incredible work ethic, and genuine grit. Qualities that are nearly extinct today.

We will miss her terribly and wish we could see her for just a bit longer but as she always said “If you don’t hear from me, No news is good news.

”In lieu of flowers or gifts we are asking that everyone gets their checkups, asks their doctors questions and does not ignore what their body is telling them. It is our responsibility to take care of body we are given.