On Sunday, December 12, 2010, our dear mother and grandmother, Alice Nancy (Edgmond) Burkart, 99, went home to her Heavenly Father and a reunion with many beloved family members.
Alice was born on 21 May 1911 to William J. and Effie Ellen (Nettles) Edgmond in Ballantine, MT. In 1931 she graduated from Huntley Project High School; that year she was a member of the State Championship girls basketball team. On 19 Aug 1931 she married Jacob Burkart in Billings MT. Two daughters, June and Diana, were born to their union. They farmed in the Billings area until 1942 when they purchased a cattle ranch at Canyon Ferry, MT. Many days were spent with her seat in the saddle. Her husband Jake passed away 13 Feb 1960. She and her family carried on and the ranch is still a successful venture today.
Alice was an avid gardener and was well known for her beautiful flower garden. Dancing was a favorite and she taught all her grandchildren to jitterbug (or tried to). Alice was also an avid bowler.
Alice and her husband hosted a barbeque up Avalanche Gulch every summer from the fifties through the seventies for their friends and neighbors.
Not knowing that she had 30 years yet to be on this earth, for her 70th birthday she hosted her own BAG party (before Alice goes). She wanted to celebrate with her friends and family rather than wait for a funeral. Many of those friends have since passed and have been fondly missed.
Alice was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was also a member of the Esther Chapter of the Eastern Star and the American Legion.
Alice was an active member of the Broadwater Lions Club for many years. This spring she was honored with the Melvin Jones Award. In 1996 she had been honored with the Lion of the Year Award. She was an avid supporter of their low-vision program. Ironically, macular degeneration caused her to become legally blind. Blindness was a major challenge for Alice for many years. Her ability to figure out how to do things without perfect vision was inspiring to many.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Granville Edgmond and Bill Edgmond, sisters, Ruth Louise Edgmond, Mary England and Rose Fossum.
Alice is survived by sisters, Laura Burkart and Eva Pearson, both of Billings; sister-in-law, Charlene Brinkel, Billings; daughters June B. Hensley, Townsend and Diana Graveley, East Helena; 7 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
The family will begin receiving friends at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 16th in the Relief Society Room at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Townsend with funeral services to be held at noon. A reception will be in the social center of the church immediately following the service. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Helena. The family suggests memorials be sent to: Broadwater Lion’s Club, P.O. Box 907, Townsend, MT 59644. Services are under the direction of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Allen Stenhjem says
What a wonderful Lady ,Our thoughts and prayers are with June -Diane Jorja-Nancy and your familys, God Bless
Bert & Lorene Williams says
We were very sorry to hear obout the passing of Alice. I’m sure she will be truly missed by all who knew her. She was a true pioneer and a wonderful lady. Bert & Lorene
Christa Smith says
You are in My Thoughts and Prayers. Hoping you’ll feel the prayers of friends and the love of God during your time of loss.
Sincerely;
Mrs. Christa Smith
BHC Visiting Lady
Dennis and Janet Massey says
our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your mom and grandma. We will always remember the good things that she taught us.
Diann Ferrat says
June, Jorja, and Nancy & family,
Sorry to hear of Gramma Alice’s death but now she can see and ride again. She was a special spunky and strong woman.
Mom just had her cataracts done so she couldn’t come to the service but is thinking of you also.
Love Diann Ferrat & family
Dick and Lori Schultz says
Dear June and Family…We offer our condolences for your loss..What a lady she was.!! She always brightened my day when she came to the Optical Shop…Dick Schultz
Florence Massey & Family says
Sorry we can’t be with you today (Dr. Appointment). We will all miss Alice. She was a bright spot in all our lives. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Kathleen Gummere says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this difficult time.
God Bless you all,
John and Kathleen
Kevin Burkart says
My Great Aunt Alice was kind enough to let me ride her horses when I was young. She took me camping in Avalanche Gulch. Many good memories, including her “bionic pinky finger”. Was never sure if that was true. So glad I saw her this summer. Love to all, Kevin Burkart
Lois Burkart says
I have such good memories of Alice and her hospitality at the ranch. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you give thanks for her life and entrust her to God’s eternal rest.
Peace and Love, Lois Burkart
NJ Ed Wean says
My Condolensces go out to June, Diane and Jorja and the entire family. She will missed.