Betty Buerkle

Heaven gained a new angel, Betty Buerkle, beloved mother, sister, aunt and kindhearted friend went to be with her Heavenly Father November 8, 2014. Her family was by her side as she peacefully passed away. She was 83 years young. Betty was born January 10, 1931, in Stuttgart, Ark. In 1948 she graduated from Humphrey High School as salutatorian. She enjoyed the annual Humphrey reunions, seeing everyone and keeping in touch. Betty was a blessing to her children, her friends and her extended family. Her door was literally "open" to all. Through the years Betty was a friend and caregiver to many. Welcome to "Betty's Diner", where she loved to cook! There was always room at her table, plenty of food and a glass of sweet tea. One of her favorite things was getting together once a month for lunch with her friends to celebrate birthdays for the month. Betty loved nature and animals. Her favorites were butterflies, hummingbirds and, of course, her little dog, Tiny. Betty worked for Sears for 25 years until her retirement in 1996. During her long employment at Sears she had the opportunity to form many lasting friendships. During her life Betty was involved in many organizations. Betty loved being a member of the Baptist Health Hospital Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 48. She was involved in the Girl Scout program, a PTA member and a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Herman Buerkle Jr., her mother Millie, and brother David Willis. Betty is survived by her sister, Twyla LaCastro of Denton, Texas; and sister-in-law, Dolores Willis of Lake Village; her four children, Debby (Phil) Smith, Sherri (Wes) Brewer and Mike (Margaret) Buerkle, all of Stuttgart, and Vicki (Mark) Marek of Slovak; grandchildren, Brian Brewer, Stuttgart; Misti (Kyle) Pattillo, Fayetteville; Allison (Chad) Smith, Bentonville; Abby (Brad) Gray, Light, Ark.; Alex (Randi) Smith, Bryant, Ark.; Eric (Katie) Mahfouz, Stuttgart; Corbin Buerkle, Stuttgart; and Phillip (Jayme) Richey, Lead Hill, Ark.; and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Davis Pattillo, Emma and Jennie Smith, Max Gray and Baby Gray, Austin and Alexis Brewer, Brady Jones and Josiah and Kenny. The Buerkle family would like to thank Dr. Noble Daniel, Dr. Chris Morgan, Dr. Dennis Yelvington, the Crestpark of Stuttgart staff, Arkansas Hospice, the Area Agency on Aging and sitters, Jan Barnett and Mary West for their wonderful care of our mother. Special thanks to Pastor Glenn Larson for his visits with mom through her sickness and spiritual journey. Services will be Wednesday, November 12, at Emanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Glenn Larson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery, located on Old England Highway in Stuttgart. Memorials may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 209 South Grand, Stuttgart, and American Legion Auxiliary Post 48, 2004 Beumer Street, Stuttgart, Ark. Please go to www.turpinco.com to sign the online guestbook.