Loretta A. (Gearig) Burkhart

Loretta Ann Burkhart, 68, of Montpelier, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan. She was born on December 16, 1954 in Wauseon, OH to Elgin A. and Donna A. (Eaton) Gearig. Loretta graduated from Hilltop High School in 1973. On February 10, 1994 she married David “Shorty” Burkhart at Jacoby’s Ole Smokehouse in West Unity and he preceded her in death on October 11, 2015. 

Loretta retired from Tomco in Bryan as the quality auditor in 2017. She also worked for many years as a cook and waitress at Spokes in Pioneer. Loretta’s children and grandchildren were her life. She loved cooking for large family gatherings and especially for camping trips. Loretta was a member of Pioneer Bible Fellowship Church since 2015 and she also held the title of Auxiliary Fair Board Director since March of 2019.  

She leaves behind five children, Michelle (Steve) Winkler of Montpelier, Mark Burkhart of Lima, Jennifer Lambert of Holgate, Michael Burkhart of Edgerton and Davinna (Russell) Nickloy of Pioneer; daughter-in-law, Goldie Marr of West Unity; 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brother, Tim (Helen) Gearig of Bryan; sister, Rose (Gary) Gearig of Edgerton; and three sisters-in-law, Carolyn Burkhart of Bryan, Linda (Roger) Burris of Bryan and Brenda Britenricker of Hillsdale, MI. 

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David “Shorty” Burkhart; and two sons, Michael David Rediger and Benjamin Joseph Rediger. 

A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the Thaman Building at the Williams County Fairgrounds with Pastor Lowell Fast to officiate. Loretta will be laid to rest in a private committal next to her beloved husband at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Memorials may be given to the Williams County Fair Board.

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