Barbara K. Burkhard

Barbara K. Burkhard passed peacefully on to her heavenly home on April 2, 2021 at the age of 89 years under the loving care of Hospice of Lenawee and the staff of Cambrian Assisted Living. She was born on March 13, 1932 in Detroit, Mich., the fourth of eight children born to James Epherage Campbell and Sudie White (Luna) Campbell. Barbara graduated from Dearborn High School in the Class of 1950. On September 15, 1951, she married George G. Burkhard at her parent’s home in Dearborn, Mich. and shortly thereafter they moved to Chicago, Ill. where she worked while her husband obtained his degree in optometry. Barbara and George started their family in Chicago with the birth of two sons, Mark and Dwight. The family relocated to Michigan in 1956, choosing Tecumseh as the ideal place to start an optometry practice and raise a family, adding three precious daughters to their family, Deborah, Beth and Julie.

For most of her life, Barbara was a full-time homemaker who was actively involved in her children’s school and sports activities. She loved her family and was happiest when everyone was gathered together, especially as the family grew to include grandchildren. She instilled a love of travel and exploration in her children through many summer vacations spent seeing the U.S. and Canada, packing seven people into a Cadillac and a 24-foot travel trailer. Barbara believed in serving her community and was actively involved in the Herrick Hospital Auxiliary and Tecumseh Civic Auditorium. Her faith was the foundation of her life, giving her the strength to face life’s most difficult moments. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Tecumseh, where she served in various capacities. Barbara valued friendships; she and her friends were well-known regulars at Tecumseh Big Boy for breakfast and The Daily Grind for mid-afternoon coffee. She had a quiet demeanor and entertaining sense of humor. Barbara will forever be remembered for her delicious chocolate chip cookies and creamed roadkill with mashed potatoes.

Barbara is survived by her five children; Mark (Lee Ann) Burkhard of Tecumseh; Dwight (Kerri) Burkhard of Arlington, Texas; Deborah Hiatt of Amarillo, Texas; Beth Burkhard (Edward) Yeary of Clinton, Mich.; and, Julie Burkhard (Kevin) Hinckley of Tecumseh. Her grandchildren include: Jason (Jackie) Burkhard of Adrian, Mich.; Crystal Burkhard of Danville, Calif.; Joshua, Jordan, Nicholas and Zachary Burkhard of Texas; Amanda Amaya (Robby) Torres of Tecumseh, Mich.; Matthew Amaya of Amarillo, Texas; Ashley Amaya of Westland, Mich.; Jenifer (John) Markiewicz of South Point, Ohio; Brian (Kaila) Hinckley of Petoskey, Mich.; and Christopher (Makaila) Hinckley of Streetsboro, Ohio. Great and great-great-grandchildren include: Kaileigh (Tom) Bruce and their children Emersyn and Denver; Tristan Burkhard; Bekah Burkhard; Austin and Treyton Kirkendall; Jayden and Landon Amaya; Santana and Canaan Torres; Caeleb and Cameron Clemons and Anthony Bronson; and Liam Hinckley. Barbara is also survived by three siblings: Louis Campbell of Phoenix, Ariz.; Donald Campbell of Anacortes, Wash.; and, Shirley Piepenburg Simon of Tecumseh, as well as special nieces/nephews Donnie Campbell, Thomas Campbell, Bonnie Mull and Mike Schoen.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. George G. Burkhard, in 1993; her parents and four sisters, Betty Hoffman, Jimmie Sue Binkley, Francis Campbell and Grace Schoen; and son-in-law David Hiatt.

There will be a private graveside service held for Barbara at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.