Judith Burke
Godfrey |
Judith Ann Burke, 75, passed away peacefully at 6:00 am, Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Eunice Smith, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Alton, IL on March 22, 1940, the daughter of the late Louis and Luretta Stiritz.
As a single mom, Judith met challenges with an adventurous spirit. She was an avid photographer and traveler. After raising her children, she moved to Alaska and married Michael Mueller, he preceded her in death in 2007. Judith lived in Alaska for 33 years. As a tour guide for Denali Park, she loved meeting new people and sharing her love of Alaska. She had a special love for all animals and especially her pet chihuahua, Kilo.
On a trip to Egypt she met a fellow traveler, Robert Burke from Madison, WI. They married in 2011.
She is survived by Richard Bruce, first husband, and father to their three children; daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Kelly Railing of Wasilla, AK; daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Gary Kammerzell of Northglen, CO; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Susan Bruce of Palm Coast, FL; four grandchildren, Lori, Curtis, Tyson, Deena; three great grandchildren, Dejah, Tayah and Jaidin; three sisters and their spouses, Jane Ford of Godfrey, Jill and Gene Rexford of Warsaw, MO, Jerre and Tom Honke of Alton.
In addition to her parents and former husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Janet McIver.
Graveside Service will be held at 11 am Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
Memorial can be made to the 5 A’s Animal Shelter in Alton or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
