Erma Anna Margaret (Bessman) Burke passed away Saturday March 20, 2021 in Bentonville, Arkansas at the age of 94 in her own bed at home with her loving daughter Wanita by her side. She was born on August 30, 1926 in Buckeye, Iowa. Erma was the 9th child and 5th daughter of thirteen children born to Frank & Eda (Runge) Bessman.
Erma married William Reed Burke Jr. on December 25, 1944 in Washington County, Arkansas. They had eight children, Wilodene, Wanita, Linda, Steven (Sandra), Karen (David Buhr), William, Wayne (Kimberly), and John (Riezel). Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, her son William “Rusty”, her daughter Linda, her grandson Scott Hurd, her great-grandson Shane Mathews, her six sisters and six brothers. Erma is survived by 6 children, 24 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Erma raised her children in Waterloo, Iowa. She was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 18, 1958 and was a faithful member all her life. She loved serving with little children and taught in the Primary organization for many years. She served a mission at the Washington DC temple with her husband after his retirement. After their mission they moved to Bentonville, Arkansas. Erma was known for her many gifts and talents including sewing, crocheting, dancing, cooking and baking (especially her pies).
