Rob Elaine Burgher

Rob Elaine Key Burgher, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and good friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 3, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Born in Wilson, Texas on September 24, 1925, Rob was the youngest of seven children born to John Cornelius Key and Jessie Lee Hooker Key; she was the last surviving sibling. Rob graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 1946. She enjoyed a six-year career as a stewardess for Pioneer Airlines and C&S Airlines before marrying George Edward Burgher, Jr. on October 17, 1952. After living briefly in Billings, Montana, Rob and George moved to Houston in 1954, where they happily raised their family.

Rob was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching all types of sports in person and on television. Her favorite sports to watch, however, were any that involved her children and grandchildren. Rob was a fixture at all softball, volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer and football games in which her children and grandchildren participated. As the grandchildren grew and their interests broadened, the activities she watched included dance recitals, dance and cheerleading competitions, talent showcases, and theatrical presentations.

Rob had many interests to keep her busy throughout the years – deer and fowl hunting, a successful investment club, league bowling, trips to Las Vegas, and always walking, walking, walking.

Rob and George joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in the early 1960’s. She taught Sunday School for many years and was actively involved in many service activities at MDPC. Rob was a faithful member who attended regularly until Alzheimer’s disease curtailed that. For the past three years, Rob was a regular participant at MDPC’s The Gathering, a place for Alzheimer’s patients to get together and enjoy a variety of activities.

Rob lived a life full of service to others, not because she felt she ought to, but because she wanted to, and because it gave her joy to do so. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She was a volunteer at the Heritage Society of Houston. She was a reading mentor for 10 years at Golden Acres Elementary in Pasadena ISD. And every single day, in ways both big and small, she helped those around her.

Rob is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, George; daughters Elaine Burgher, Ellen Barnett, and Lisa Haws and her husband Kelly; son Brian Burgher and his wife Tiffany; and eight adoring grandchildren: Brooke Burgher, Libby Burgher, Shelby Burgher, Blake Barnett, Hannah Haws, Henry Haws, Sarah Lavin-Burgher, and Ryan Lavin-Burgher.

The family would like to thank Cecilia Chambers for the steadfast and loving nursing care she provided to Rob. The family would also like to thank the staff on the 8th floor of Jones Neurosensory Tower at Methodist Hospital for the outstanding care that Rob received during the last weeks of her life. Finally, The Houston Hospice provided a peaceful environment and caring, compassionate staff members at the end, and for that the family is very grateful.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be on Friday, September 7 at 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, with Pastor Dave Peterson presiding.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or by mail at Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.