obituaries

Lola Burkhart

Alton |

Lola Marie Pitts Burkhart, 91, passed away at 6:48 am Thursday, December 26, 2013 at St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton.

 

She was born on August 19, 1922 in Dorsey, IL the daughter of Walter & Imo (Fraley) Fensterman.

She married Dr. I.W. “Bill” Pitts at the Bunker Hill Congregational Church on October 15, 1942 and he preceded her in death on August 3, 1993.  She then married Paul Burkhart on March 11, 1995 at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton.  He survives.

She was a member of College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton where she served as a Deacon and Elder.  She was a lifetime member of the Alton Community Service League.  She Started out her education in a one room school house and ended it graduating from Shurtleff College in Alton with her business degree. She was a member of the museum of Art and History. She was a member of the Alton Eagles Lodge 254 and she enjoyed playing bridge and canasta, in several card clubs. She loved ballroom dancing, especially loved dancing to the Joey James Band. She also enjoyed painting, doing stained glass and loved to cook. 

Dr. I.W. and Lola Pitts were members of the American Optometric Association and involved with the Shriners and Masons. Lola and Bill were stationed in Chicago while he served his country in the U.S. Army as an Optometrist during World War II. Then they relocated to Alton where they designed and built their home of 65 years. 

Lola loved her family and her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Paul Burkhart of Alton; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara & Craig Smith of Brighton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod & Niki Pitts and Greg W. Pitts, all of Lake Tapawingo, MO; three grandchildren, Jason and Alaina Pitts and Craig Smith, two great grandchildren, Haley Monroe and Addyson Smith; one step-son Randy Burkhart of MA and one step-daughter Barbara Burkhart of O’Fallon, MO. She also leaves many special nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, whom she cherished deeply. Lola was a special lady and touched all whom she met in a very unique way.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Gaye Pitts, a grandson, Michael Pitts, a brother, Rollo Fensterman and a step-son Paul Burkhart, JR.

Visitation will be from 9 am until time of funeral services at 11 am Friday, January 3, 2014 at College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton with Rev. Dale Jackson officiating and Rev. George Humbert, Pastor Emeritus.

Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton or to a Charity of One’s Choice.

Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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