HELEN MARIE BURKHART
Helen Marie (Schafer) Burkhart, age 100, was called home by her Savior Jesus Christ May 8, 2013. She was born to John J. and Marie Katherine (Horst) Schafer February 13, 1913, in Odessa, Washington, a descendant of German farmers who settled the area after fleeing Russia, first arriving in Seattle in 1891.
Helen excelled at Washtucna High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1932. The recipient of a WSC scholarship, financial constraints prevented her enrollment. She then “worked out” in wheat farmers’ homes and as a telephone operator.
Helen married Vernon Archie Burkhart (“Burky”), her high school sweetheart, September 24, 1935, in Reardon, Washington, a marriage lasting over 73 years to which three daughters (Marilyn and twins Janette and Joanne) were born. The couple lived in Spokane until 1955 when Vernon opened a Pontiac-Cadillac dealership in McMinnville, Oregon. They often traveled in his plane or their RV, later wintering in Desert Hot Springs, California, where both rededicated their lives to the Lord.
Helen was an excellent “Deutsch” homemaker, canning, pickling and sewing. She took piano lessons along with her daughters, and was active in church and PTA. In later years she enjoyed her Friday bridge club, Agape Circle and PEO membership, and continued to be a prolific card and letter writer. The Burkharts moved to Oak Harbor in 2001, then to Regency on Whidbey in 2005.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Vernon in 2009; sisters Alice VanSickle and Marjorie Strobridge; brother Robert Schafer; and niece Kay McGuinness. She is survived by her daughters Marilyn (Duane) Van Der Werff of Oak Harbor, Janette Mills of Chandler, Arizona, and Joann (Bill) Cole of Tempe, Arizona. Helen was “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jeff (Kara) Van Der Werff—Jacob, Kate, Ian and Elin; Carrie (Ricky) Applegate; Mark (Stacy) Mills—Ryan, Tyler, Dillon and Dalton; Melanie (Brian) Kemp; Lynda Mills and Jennifer (John) Zora—Abigail, Benjamin, Isaac and Julia. One niece, Nancy (Roy) Todd, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews also survive her.
Helen’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at First reformed Church, preceded by a private family burial service at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to First Reformed Church (Mission Fund), 250 SW 3rd Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or to First Presbyterian Church (Mission Fund), 390 NE 2nd Street, McMinnville, OR 97128. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

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