Cathy Lou (Werdeman) Burkett “Kak”, 77, of Springfield, MO., passed away on May 31, 2018 in Nixa, MO. She was born on October 9, 1940 in Green Forest, AR. Kak, graduated from Green Forest High School and later from Draughon Business College. She spent the majority of her career at Frisco/Burlington Northern as a receptionist. She married Ronald Howard Burkett “Shorty” on December 14, 1969. A member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, she was baptized at First Baptist Church in Green Forest, AR. Her hobbies were her friends and family. She truly cared for other people and their well being at all times. She spent a great deal of time traveling with her best friend Shorty, and fishing with him as well. They participated in husband-and-wife tournaments throughout the 80s and 90s and visited many parts of the country together.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Burkett; parents, Vera and Pete Werdeman; and a step-son Steven Burkett. Cathy is survived by her son, Kevin Burkett of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, John Christian (Amie) Burkett of Springfield, MO, Jason (Stefanie) Burkett of Nixa, MO., and Stephanie (Danny) Ellis of Springfield along with eight great-grandchildren; sister, Wilma Tate of Portland, OR.; nieces Susan Engels (David) and Nancy Stocker (John) of Portland, OR; brother, Bill Werdeman, “Bud” and wife Elaine of Springfield, MO.; nephew, Andy Werdeman (Rhonda) of Springfield, MO; sister-in-law Betty Burkett of Fort Worth, TX; niece Julie Burkett of Fort Worth, TX; daughter-in-law, Frankie Burkett, wife of Steve (Springfield);and seven great-nieces and nephews. Cathy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a special lady. She will be deeply missed.
Graveside services for Kak will be on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 in Eastlawn Cemetery at 10:00 am under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home South. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.