Muriel Burke

Six days before Christmas, on a chilly Wednesday, December 19, 1928, Muriel Graham was born in Springfield. Raised alongside her siblings, her parents, Murl and Hazel (Keller) Graham were simple, hard-working people.

Muriel attended Enos Grade School, as did her father, Murl. She met her future husband and high school sweetheart at Lanphier High School, where the handsome quarterback fell in love with the brainiac, and the rest was history. She married Robert G. Burke on September 4, 1948, in Springfield. He preceded her in death.

As avid genealogists, Muriel and Bob enjoyed driving across the country to find clues about their history, often bringing along their three children as part of the adventure. Later in life this translated into visiting their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren spread across the states.

Affectionately known as Nana, Muriel was very intelligent and put her skills to good use working at Franklin Life, for 20 years in the claims and maturities department. This included acting as a representative and principal for the SEC. Her drive and perseverance extended to other areas of her life, including attending weekly workouts at the gym well into her 90s.

She enjoyed attending family gatherings, gardening, sewing, needle work and reading.

Muriel, who had an unwavering faith in God, passed away on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her father; mother; sister, Imogene Perkins; and brother, David Graham.

Muriel is survived by her daughters, Susan (Larry) Rowe, of Springfield and Sally (Jim) Parziale, of Lakeland, FL.; and son, Roger (Jeanne) Burke, of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren, Jeff (Katy) Rowe, Brian Rowe, Toni (Jason) Duke, Jesse (Stephanie) Parziale, Justin (Carlina) Burke, Cody Burke, and Daniel Burke; ten great-grandchildren, Sarah, Edie, Alex, Nick, Dylan, Lauren, Ethan, William, James, and Jack; one great great-grandchild, Eli; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Craig) DesChenes and Janet Graham; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, ceremony will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

The family would like to thank Lisa Leeper and Deb Stapleton along with the staff at The Bridge and Cedarhurst Senior Living for their exceptional care of Muriel.