Eleanor June Burkholder

Eleanor June (Rogers) Burkholder, 79 a lifelong resident of Covington died at 6:25 a. m. Thursday May 5, 2011 at the Waters. She was born August 31, 1931 to Roy and Mabel Harrison Rogers. On February 27, 1955 Eleanor married William J. Burkholder and they enjoyed 56 wonderful years of marriage. They were long-time members of the Sterling Christian Church.
Although Eleanor hated school (she was too busy having fun) and her teachers often teased her that she would never finish high school, she knew she was meant to be a nurse. She graduated from Covington High School in 1949. She obtained her hard-earned nursing degree from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1952. Since that time, she has touched hundreds of lives with her caring, compassionate nature. To this day, hundreds of people still tell tales of how Eleanor helped to shape their lives for the better. She began her nursing career with Dr. Suzuki in Covington and spent the next 28 years as his nurse. Then, in 1975 she began working at Covington Manor, where she ultimately worked her way up to Director of Nursing. Not only did she love the residents of Covington Manor, but she loved the people who worked for her as well. Everyone who came into contact with Eleanor not only loved her, but became a better person because of her. So, while Eleanor was a wonderful wife and a perfect mother and grandmother, she also was truly an angel here on Earth.
Eleanor is survived by her husband Bill, and her two daughters, Marsha (Jerry) Scott and Teresa Terri Burkholder. She is also survived by her two sisters, Barbara (Forrest) Gurley and Donna (Richard) Broderick. Eleanor has three grandchildren, Amanda Scott, Matthew (Emily) Sundt and Michael Sundt. She also has two great grandchildren, Hadlee June and Halen Jehra in whom she took great pride.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a. m. Monday May 9, 2011 at Shelby Funeral Home with Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p. m. Sunday. Memorials suggested to Alzheimers Association with envelopes available at the funeral home. Condolences to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com.