My Grandmother, My Angel

Billie Burke, our beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on April 10, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Although we will miss her terribly, we thank God for giving us such a wonderful, beautiful woman to love and to love us.

Billie was born on June 9, 1931, in Casa Grande , Arizona , to Odie and Katie Mae Knight. She grew up in Bakersfield and attended East Bakersfield High. She met Robert J. Burke while in high school. They were married on Christmas Eve, 1947, in San Luis Obispo . Bob enlisted in the Navy and they were stationed in Honolulu beginning in 1948, where they began their family. In 1950 they returned “stateside” and established their home in Bakersfield . Bob soon became a California Highway Patrol officer while Billie provided a loving and nurturing home for their family. She was very active in the CHP wives’ Madres del Camino organization. Billie was also very involved in their children’s school activities and was touted by their teachers as one of the best “room mothers” ever! When their children were older, Billie began working at Montgomery Ward’s catalog department. She later began a very rewarding 20 year career with the Automobile Club of Southern California, establishing lifelong friendships. She retired in 1986 and became an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. Her life revolved around her family, and her cooking was a highlight of many family gatherings! Billie lived a life of love, devotion, and old-fashioned values, providing a legacy that we now carry on to our families.

We are comforted in knowing that she is reunited with beloved family members that preceded her in death, including her parents, husband Bob who passed away in 2008, sisters Dorothy Knight, Lois Ferguson, and Jean Danley, and brother Boyce Knight.

To cherish her memory, Billie is survived by her children Vickie Schallock, Pam and husband Scott Tatum, and Joseph Burke and partner Tony, all of Bakersfield; her grandchildren Pattie and husband Mike Huestis of American Fork, UT, Pam and husband Jim Riggio of Paso Robles, CA, Brian and wife Amy Allen of Seal Beach, CA, and Amy and husband Rick Schooley of Wasilla, AK; and her most precious great-grandchildren Joshua, Dominic, and Matthew Riggio, Ella and Owen Huestis, and Blake Allen. She also leaves behind her brothers Aubrey Knight and Ray Knight and their families, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Her dog, Kady, also misses her.

We wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to Arturo Abalos, MD, and the wonderful staff of Delano Regional Medical Center ’s Special Care Unit for the excellent care and compassion they provided Billie and her family over the past 6 years.

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, April 16, 2009, 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park , with graveside services Friday, April 17, 2009, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bakersfield SPCA.