Fern Louise Burkett-Starr, 90, of Charlotte, formerly of Bellevue, died January 30, 2023 in Lansing. She was born June 26, 1932 to Mark and Alta (Moore) Berry of Bellevue, Michigan. She received her GED from Bellevue High School 1972.
She farmed most of her life raising feeder pigs, did part time work at the dime store in Bellevue, and the Gambles Store in Charlotte. Fern also volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital for 15 plus years.
She married the late Robert C. Burkett on September 3, 1949. They raised 6 amazing children and spent 52 wonderful years together. She later married Gerald Starr on May 5, 2005. They were married for 14 years before he preceded her in death.
Fern is survived by her children, Glen Burkett of Bellevue, Helen (Gary) Vedder of Charlotte, Kenneth (Debby) Burkett of Bellevue, David (Barbara) Burkett of Bellevue, Sally (David) Bivens of Bellevue, and Mary (Jeff) McKillop of Bellevue; sister, Katherine Andersen of Battle Creek; stepchildren, Dennis (Karen) Starr of Charlotte, Kathy (Jim) Pion of Olivet, Tim (Sherry) Starr of Charlotte, Mark (Cheryl) Starr of Charlotte, Karen Southward of Charlotte, Daniel (JoAnn) Starr of Adrian, Chris (Shelly) Starr of Charlotte, Mary (Doug) Campbell of Olivet, and Jimmy (Lisa) Starr of Eaton Rapids; 14 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband, Robert C. Burkett; husband, Gerald J. Starr; siblings, James Berry, Frank (Stub) Berry, Frances Root, Helen Manning, Carol Ann Newberry, Evelyn Parker Glassner, and Mable VanOrman; daughter-in-law, Elberta Burkett; grandson, Kevin Burkett and granddaughter-in-law, Angela Burkett; great grandsons, Evan Burkett, and Liam Abbott; stepson-in-law, Tony Southward.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 from 4:00 - 7pm and Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 12:00 – 1:00pm with funeral service beginning at 1:00pm. All services will be held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI, 49068. A graveside service and interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 1459 S. Ionia Road, Vermontville, MI 49096 in Kalamo Township, MI.
If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the Bellevue Fireman’s Fund, 115 E. Jackson Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 or the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or https://www.cancer.org/ . A funeral home representative can assist you as well.
Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guest book, or leave the family condolences.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services
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