Newell, WV.

Margaret L. Burkle, age 90, went home to be with her Lord and share in the glory of everlasting life.   She died at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, after a long illness.  Margaret was born on December 9, 1926.  She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Emily (Devorak) Riester.  As a young adult Margaret graduated from business school and worked as a secretary.   Later, in mid-life, Margaret returned to school at Kent State University.  She studied towards a degree in nursing, achieving the status of a “junior” in college before quitting.  Margaret was a homemaker and the cherished wife of (deceased) Bernard W. “Ben” Burkle for more than 60 years. 

Margaret was a friendly, kind and generous person.  She loved people and participating in group activities.  She was a Girl Scout leader.  She was an avid bowler, golfer, traveler, gardener, bridge and bingo player.  Margaret was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chester, W.Va.  She was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Church Ladies Guild.  She served the parish as a lector and Eucharistic minister.  Margaret also sang in the church choir, was one of the crew that helped to clean the church.  In addition, Margaret volunteered to work with the Sacred Heart Church Ladies Guild “Clothes Closet.”

Margaret leaves behind her four loving children.  A daughter, Nancy Burkle, of Cleveland, Ohio, and three sons; William T. Burkle of Morriston, Florida, James E. Burkle of East Liverpool, Ohio and Edward W. Burkle of Chester, W.Va.  She was preceded in death by her two brothers, two sisters, and their spouses.  Her siblings are, Edward J. and Berenice A. Riester, Irvin C. and Ruth E. Klimas, George N. and Irene A. Rickus and Joseph E. and Martha Riester. Also, her lovely daughter-in-law, Patrice Statler Burkle, preceded her in death in June 2012.  Other surviving family members are a granddaughter, Kayla M. Burkle Rummell, two step-grandchildren, Matthew and Mary Pat Statler and their spouses and a great grand-daughter, Airabella Rummell.  Additionally, she leaves behind her sister-in-law, Sister Berenice Burkle, of Mount Saint Joseph in Wheeling, W.Va. and 26 nieces and nephews.            

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Arner Funeral Chapel.  Visitation hours will be at the funeral home on Friday December 8, 2017, from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. Father Jeeson Stephan will preside for Catholic Funeral Liturgy at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday December 9, 2017, at 11 A.M.  Interment will be at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens in Newell, W.Va.   A reception will follow for family and friends at the Sacred Heart Center for a celebration of Margaret’s life and her ninety-first birthday.

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