Mildred M. Burke

Mildred M. Burke, 75, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with her Lord surrounded by her family on June 23, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jim Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to either the Berrien County Cancer Service or the Feed the Children. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mildred born September 12, 1931, in Athans, Alabama. She was one of seven children born to Ernest and Bessie Thomas. On March 25, 1951 she married Malvine Burke in Hartford, MI. Together they had four children. Mildred was well known for her enthusiastic participation in local Flea Markets. She was always ready to travel and loved taking vacations with her family. A deeply spiritual woman, she enjoyed reading her Bible, singing Gospel Hymns, and “was always willing to help others.” Most of all Mildred cherished time spent with her family. Mildred survived by her husband Malvine of 56 years; her children, Shella (Wayne) Ryan of Coloma, Valarie (Dave) Hampton of Riverside, and Malvine Burke, Jr. of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Meredith Albright, Susan Brown, Jamie Ranabarger, Bradley Burke; great-grandchildren, Aaron and Joshua Albright, Cody and Kayla Sanning, and Blake Ranabarger; sisters, Brooksie Cagle and Lorraine Riffle both of Benton Harbor; and by numerous family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeannie Daisey; brothers, Harold, Nolan, and Dick Thomas; sister, Jeanette Draine; grandson, Cody Burke; and by her great-granddaughter, Breanna Burke.