Erma Jean Burke

Erma Jean (Kirkendall) Burke was born on April 8, 1939, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. A beloved member of her community and devoted to her family, she lived a life rich in love.

Erma's career began as a Dental Technician after graduating high school, but her true calling evolved as she embraced the role of homemaker, nurturing her family with unwavering dedication. She also contributed to her community as the Wheat Heart Nutrition Director, sharing her passion for health and nutrition with those around her.

In her personal life, Erma shared 37 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Carol Dwane Burke. Together they raised a beautiful family, instilling values of love, kindness, and togetherness.

Erma was a passionate sports enthusiast, taking great joy in watching the OU Sooners and OKC Thunder Basketball, among many other sports. Her interests extended to creative outlets such as scrapbooking when time allowed, working on puzzles, and playing the piano. Above all, Erma cherished attending events that celebrated her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, demonstrating her pride in their accomplishments and her deep love for family.

She was the proud mother of two daughters, Kimberly Sue (Burke) Mead, married to Michael Mead, and Angela Marie (Burke) Baird, married to Rick Baird. Erma was blessed with a large extended family that included numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her life with joy.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Brittany Sue (Mead) King, married to Danny King, whose children are Charlie, Milo, and Gracie King; Cassandra Ann (Mead) DeNoya, married to Jeremy DeNoya, with son Tucker Larson; Katlyn Michaela (Mead) McKay, married to Brandon McKay, with children Maddelin, McKenzie, and Alayna McKay; Lindsay Kay (Baird) Kyle, married to Nathan Kyle, parents to Carter and Axel Kyle; Teresa Carlene (Fox) Briggs, married to Chris Briggs, with children Lane, Gabrielle, and Evan Briggs; Laci Michelle (Baird) Williamson, married to Aaron Williamson, with children Jaron Williamson, Kaytn Williamson, and Cooper Weatherly; Amanda Marie (Feathers) Freeman, married to Devon Freeman, with children Skyler, Chase, and Olivia Faith Marie Freeman; Lucas D Baird, Taylor Young, and Rikki Nicole Baird. She was also survived by her sister Shirley Weaver. 

Erma was preceded in death by her parents Ica Almeda (Gilbert) Kirkendall and Fred Edward Kirkendall, SR, as well as her siblings: Forest Fred Kirkendall, Nell Rose (Kirkendall) Lind, Leroy Kirkendall, Fred E Kirkendall, Jr., Iva (Kirkendall) Heath, Eugene Kirkendall, Dorthey (Kirkendall) Myers, and Mary (Kirkendall) Houser.

A visitation will be held on January 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, Oklahoma. This will be followed by a memorial service at the Carolyn Renfro Center in Ponca City on January 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Erma Jean Burke will be remembered as a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother, and a loving friend. Her legacy is the warmth of family love that she cultivated throughout her life, which will continue to flourish in the hearts of all who knew her.