Suzanne Burdette Burke

CENTERVILLE, IN – Suzanne Burdette Burke, age 69, of Centerville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in the arms of her husband, daughter, and mother. Suzanne was born on February 22, 1954, in Richmond, Indiana, to Walter and Josephine Taylor Burdette. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1972. She was a life-long resident of Wayne County living most of her life in Centerville. Suzanne met her sweet, handsome husband, James, in 1967 when she was only 13 years old. James called her, “hot hips and sweet lips,” and he still remembers every detail of the clothing she was wearing when he first laid eyes on her as she walked down the sidewalk in the Fall of 1967. They married on February 11, 1972, and shared their lives together for 56 years. They had one daughter, Kellee, who was born in 1978. They were the most devoted, wonderful, and loving parents to Kellee. They both worked extremely hard their entire lives to provide a loving, warm, and supportive home for their daughter and for one another. They had a sweet, tender affection for each other and an enduring love. Kellee has always felt blessed to have two precious parents. Suzanne’s first job as a young woman was at Knollenberg’s Department Store in Richmond. Her professional career began at General Telephone & Electronics Corporation (GTE) in her twenties. She worked extremely hard and was highly intelligent, articulate, and self-motivated, so her career quickly continued to flourish at Stant Corporation and then at Belden Wire & Cable where she worked for over 20 years. She was remarkably successful as a Human Resources Manager and Data Analyst. At Belden, Suzanne was also an Information Technology (IT) specialist. Because of her extensive technical knowledge and expertise, she excelled in her career at Belden. She was highly respected among colleagues and the go-to person for solving complex troubleshooting and technical issues. While working at Belden, Suzanne also earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Indiana Wesleyan University where she graduated with the highest honors. Suzanne was a talented artist from an early age and expressed her creativity through drawings and oil paintings. She was also a skilled, competitive Euchre player. She loved Christmas, going out to eat, and spending time with her family and her beloved doggies. She was an avid animal lover, and her canine babies brought her extraordinary joy and purpose. Her most beloved animals were her Appaloosa horse, Warrior, and her Fox Terrier, Jazper, who she said had a deep soul and was part human. Most importantly, Suzanne was an incredible woman, wife, and mother. She had a beautiful soul and deeply compassionate heart. She was full of love and goodness. She was giving, kind, thoughtful, gentle, and sacrificed so much of herself to provide for her family and give them the best life possible. She loved her husband, daughter, and mother unconditionally and showed it every single day. Suzanne’s smile and laughter would light up a room and was so infectious. Even when she was ill and suffering, she smiled, laughed, and expressed her love and concern for her family. Her tender smile and wonderful hugs alone provided Kellee and James comfort and reassurance that they were deeply loved. Kellee often told her mother that if every child could have a loving, supportive, and caring mother like her, this world would have much less evil and cruelty. “My mother was the strongest, most loving person I’ve ever known. She was my role model, and she completely shaped my life. I admired her strength and character throughout my life, and she inspired me in so many positive ways. For as long as I can remember she made sure I knew that I was loved, wanted, and cherished. She was also fierce and protective—a true Mama Bear. She was my rock and my best friend, and she always knew the right thing to say when I had difficulties. She taught me to enjoy and appreciate the simplest things in life—sitting outside on a beautiful day watching the hummingbirds, feeling the sunshine on your skin under a blue sky, laughing and giggling together, watching a movie while cuddling and holding hands, singing together in the car, and enjoying the present moment. She would often say, “Let’s make a mental note of this moment.” She was always my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I was able to lean on her, confide in her, and turn to her for comfort. She filled our home with love, warmth, and tenderness. My love for her is beyond words.” Suzanne is irreplaceable and was the foundation of our family. Her mother, Josephine, says she was the most perfect child and daughter. She will live forever in our hearts and memories. Survivors include her husband, James Burke; daughter, Kellee Jo Suzanne Burke; mother, Josephine Taylor Burdette; special nieces Rebekah and Sara; sister-in-law, Barbara Burdette; and her adored canine companions, Dakota, Oliver, and Timo as well as her grand-doggies, Santino, Tango, Roman, and Molly. Suzanne was preceded in death by her father, Walter Burdette; brother, Dennis Burdette; special cousin, Kathy; her beloved horse, Warrior; and her very special babies, Jazper, Velvet, Izabelle, Josie, and Hewey. Memorial visitation for Suzanne Burdette Burke will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, IN. Private funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Because of her love for animals, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Help the Animals in Richmond, Indiana. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Suzanne Burdette Burke

February 22, 1954 - September 6, 2023