Irene Ruth Hille Burkhart

Irene Ruth Hille Burkhart died on Sunday January 25.

She was born in the wheat country near Lind on February 29, 1916, the eldest of six children to Chris and Jennie Hille. Irene met BB in 5th grade and they married 12 years later on Christmas Day 1938. Their love spanned generations and was truly an inspiration to all around them.

Irene and BB loved to travel with their RV and both kept busy with activities of the Sacramento Banjo Band, Banjo Ramblers and a western group the Mustard Cutters.

A lifelong collector of owls, a “neat-as-a-pin” homemaker and a great support system for friends and family alike. She was also a constant source of support for BB in his music and Model A endeavors.

She always had a smile for everyone, one that would light up a room. The love and devotion she exemplified as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother will serve her family well for generations to come.

Irene learned to drive in her 50’s and according to BB, the wheels never stopped turning! She was known to drive alone (with a man’s hat in the back window in case she had to stay overnight somewhere!) to central Washington to visit and care for her mother, a 12-14 hour drive!

Irene loved to cook, nothing from a box, everything from scratch. Simple farm cooking, famous for her macaroni and cheese, soups, pies, and her divinity fudge…she didn’t have a sweet tooth…she had sweet teeth! Holiday dinners were a favorite of hers; bringing her family together, the conversations, the generous spirit of the time of the year, and presents…she loved presents – both giving and receiving.

Not many can live as long as Irene and only be 24.75 years old, but that’s one of the advantages of being born February 29…a leap year baby.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband BB Burkhart and is survived by her daughter Carol Campbell and husband Phil of Ashland, Oregon her grandson Christopher Campbell and wife Tami of Astoria, Oregon, her granddaughter Jennifer Hamamura and husband Mika of Burlingame, California and three great grandchildren Timothy Campbell 15, Christina Campbell 12 and Kylie Hamamura 3.

Graveside services will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Ritzville Cemetery.

Following the services, family and friends invite you to gather, visit and snack at the Memories Diner at 214 West Main Avenue downtown Ritzville. Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.