Myrna J. Burkhard, 90, of Apple Road, Petrolia, Fairview Township, a lifelong Fairview resident, and a retired highly-respected registered nurse went to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, May 19, 2024, while in the company of her loving family at Parker Personal Care.
Myrna was born in Hornertown, near Petrolia, on June 21, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Donald B. and Georgia Christie Robinson. She was a 1951 graduate of the Fairview Township-Karns City High School and earned her degree in registered nursing from Allegheny General Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.
In her earlier years, she was employed at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, and the former McGinley Nursing Home in Chicora. Myrna retired in 1986 following several years of employment in the office of Dr. Ernest P. Molchany at the Chicora Medical Center.
Myrna was a lifelong member of the former Fairview United Methodist Church and was later a member of Faith Community United Methodist Church, in Bruin. She had been a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, former Chicora Chapter # 354 and currently Butler Chapter # 45. She had served as a past Worthy Matron. Myrna was an avid sports fan. She especially enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins as well as NASCAR. Myrna enjoyed attending card club with her friends and most especially looked forward to the company of her family. She was often called upon for medical advice and to provide first aid by her many Fairview neighbors.
Myrna was preceded in death by her husband Joseph D. Burkhard, whom she married at the Fairview United Methodist Church on April 9, 1955. Mr. Burkhard passed away on November 29, 1998.
She is survived by two children; Donna L. Freiters and her husband Robert "Bob", of Fairview, and Rev. Eric V. Burkhard and his wife Deborah, of Renfrew. Two grandchildren survive; Nichole L. Saylor and her husband Brian, of Fairview, and Kelly J. Sadowski and her husband Zach, of Karns City. Three great-grandchildren survive; Xander R. and Ariana J. Saylor and Jessa L. Sadowski. Three brothers survive; Lyle Robinson and Gerald Robinson, both of Butler, and James Robinson, and his wife Brenda, of Erie. Two sisters-in-law survive, Ruby Carroll and Mary Burkhard Stitt, both of Potosi, MO. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband, Myrna was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra A. Burkhard on June 3, 1998, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Friends were received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main Street, Karns City on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. A funeral service was held from the funeral home at noon on Thursday, May 23, 2024, with Myrna's son, Rev Eric V. Burkhard, pastor of Found Hope, and Rev. Dennis Barger, a long-time family friend, officiating. The interment was at Bear Creek Cemetery in Petrolia. Butler Chapter # 45 O.E.S. conducted a memorial service for their departed sister on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Burkhard's memory may be given to Found Hope, 400 Cunningham Street, Butler, PA 16001; www.foundhope.net.