Mary Belle Burkey

Mary Belle Burkey, age 82, of Uhrichsville, died peacefully, Thursday, March 7, 2024, while in the care of Truman House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health. 

Born in the family home at Tuscarawas, Ohio on April 27, 1941, Mary was a daughter of the late Jess Lovell and Hazel and Noble Suddeth. 

She was a 1959 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and worked for many years for various Jean Frock Women’s stores prior to joining the staff of Mount Carmel Hospital. At the age of 59, Mary obtained an Associate Degree in Nutritional Services and soon after became the Dietary Manager of Mount Carmel Hospital until her retirement at age 67.  

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Mary, or “Mom”, as many of her friends and acquaintances called her, knew of her lively personality and sense of humor. She enjoyed bowling, shopping, spending time with her friends at the Uhrichsville Eagles Lodge #2264, and rarely shied away from being around her family during special holiday events and gatherings. 

Mary is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Brenda) Burkey of Marietta and James Burkey of Logan, Ohio; her grandchildren, Nicole (James) Cornetet, Tawnie (Dan) Wright, Justine Burkey, Jacob Burkey, and Loghan (Kyle) Stockton; her great-grandchildren, Lilou, Enzo “Chuck”, Landon, Penelope, Griffin, Nathan, and Creedence; two nieces, Melba (Doug) Anderson, Theresa McComb, and her special friends, Edna Streeter, Ruth Combs, and Boomer Salsberry. 

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Burkey, Jr.; sister, JoAnn Carpenter, and a niece, Mary Jo Parrish. 

The family will greet guests on Monday, March 11, 2024, from Noon to 1:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Mary’s life in the funeral home’s chapel at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Guests are invited to join the family at the Uhrichsville Eagles following the service for a meal and fellowship.