Grace Ellen (Trautman) Burke passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at her home in Montesano. She was 86. Grace was born in Okreek, S.D., to Friedrich and Ethel (Hall) Trautman on Dec. 26, 1929. They then moved to Wood, S.D., where she spent most of her childhood before moving to the Grays Harbor area in 1943. She graduated with the Montesano Class of 1947.
After high school Grace married William R. Burke on Dec. 30, 1948, in Rapid City, S.D. Together they celebrated many years of marriage. With William by her side, Grace loved to travel, go dancing to Big Band music and be snowbirds in Palm Springs. She also loved working in the yard, watching her grandchildren and spending time with family.
Grace was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. There she was a member of the St. John’s Alter Society and sang in the choir. She also sang with The Sweet Adelines and was employed with Grays Harbor County as a bailiff.
Grace is survived by her husband William R. Burke of Montesano; daughter Kim (Allen) Crites of Summit Lake, Wash.; sons Terry (Julie) Burke of Elma, Wash., Rick Burke of Montesano, Wash., and Russ (Julie) Burke of Montesano, Wash.; along with her brother Kenneth Trautman of Bay Center, Wash.; sisters Betty McDougall of Montesano, Wash., Nora Calhoun of Montesano, Wash., and Luella Lindley of Mason Lake, Wash.; grandchildren Lisa Crites Beck, Curtis Allen Crites, Jill Crites Orozco, Daniel Brumfield, Lindsey Burke Birdsall, Dustin Burke, Megan Burke, and Ryan Burke; and great-grandchildren Evie Birdsall, Blakely Crites, Max Beck, Toren Crites, Carter Crites, and Diego Orozco.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Orville Trautman, Friedrich Trautman, Clifford Trautman, Mildred Harrison, Lucille Trautman, Lavina Trautman, Marie Baker, and Loretta Hulett.
A church service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at St. John’s Catholic Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano is honored to assist the family. To share a memory or express condolences visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.
