Adrian Veda Burger

Adrian Veda (Blair) Burger, 91, of Kokomo, IN passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. She was born on December 29, 1934, to Myrtle Edith (Watkins) Blair and William F. Cooley in Clinton, Arkansas. She was the youngest of 8 children.

Adrian spent her early years proving that childhood in the Arkansas mountains was equal parts adventure and survival training. Between falling into fireplaces, getting thrown from rocking chairs, cracking her head on wagon wheels, choking on freshly picked cotton, perilously crossing swinging bridges, smoking rabbit tobacco, and nearly being taken out by not one but two vindictive roosters. It's a miracle she made it to third grade. Her older siblings did their best to keep her alive, though their babysitting techniques were creative.

Adrian's childhood philosophy was simple: never make the same mistake twice. (Making NEW mistakes, however, was fair game.) She cut up her mother's best dress to make doll clothes—once. She called her mother a liar—once. She picked green apples thinking her mom would be thrilled—once. She learned fast, but she sure kept things interesting. She remembered her childhood adventures as some of the best times of her life.

At 17, Adrian left Arkansas for Kokomo, Indiana, where she worked at Crume's Drive-In and met Ernest Arnett. They married in 1953 and had five daughters: Cynthia Marie Arnett, Debra Ann (Ed) Graber, Joni Lynn (Bill) Aaron, Carole Jeanne (Art) Hwang, and Jennifer Lynde (Scott) Julian.

In 1980, Adrian married Noel Robert Burger, the love of her life. Together they traveled the world, burned a path from Indiana to Florida (where they eventually retired), and created a life full of adventure and love. Adrian worked for Delco Electronics for more than 20 years. True to form, she didn't really retire—she managed a hotel and worked part-time at Walmart because sitting still was never her style. She was powered by Folgers coffee and chocolate, possibly in equal measure.

Adrian was a straight shooter who loved honest conversation, thoughtful discussion, and yes, an occasional gossip session. She was a great mother to her children and became a best friend and great sounding board to them as adults. You could always count on her to tell you the truth, even when it wasn’t easy to hear.

Adrian is survived by her five daughters and their families; 9 grandchildren; Nicole Graber, Danielle Graber, Cullen (Kamy) Graber, Clint (Kristin)Aaron, Kristin Aaron, Matthew DiDonato, Adrienne Hwang, Alexandra Hwang, and Olivia Julian; 17 great-grandchildren; Bryar Iliff, Braden Iliff, Gabriel Williams, Brielle Williams, Hadlee Graber, Kaiah Graber, Kallen Graber, Rhinehart Aaron, Fletcher Aaron, Wyatt Aaron, Kalia Homan, Malakai Homan, Wesley Bradley, Obadiah Bradley, Bo Bradley, Parker Bradley, and Nash Bradley and countless people whose lives she touched in her 91 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Noel, her parents, her seven siblings, her granddaughter Andrea Williams, and every rooster who ever dared to cross her path.

Let's all raise a cup of coffee (2 creamers, no sugar) in honor of Adrian today. She lived a full life, survived more childhood mishaps than seems possible, loved deeply, and never made the same mistake twice.

A visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902 on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Entombment will take place at Ever Rest Memorial Park, 8315 Logansport Road, Logansport, IN 46947 on January 30, 2026, immediately following the funeral service.