Obituary: Catherine “Peg” R. Burke

Catherine “Peg” R. Burke, 77, of Montrose passed away June 10, 2013, at her home surrounded by loved ones. Peg was born Aug. 6, 1935, to Robert and Daisy (Smith) Cook in Yuma, Colo. She enjoyed her childhood in Meeker and attended Meeker High School.
She married Pat Burke on Feb. 3, 1951, in Rifle, Colo. Peg and Pat had resided in Little Hills Experiment Station near Piceance Creek before moving to Montrose in 1960. Pat and Peg shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Peg was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother; she put family first and foremost throughout her life. She loved all things outdoors, especially gardening and arrowhead hunting.
She helped her husband with his many tasks at Billy Creek — her fondest memory was relocating elk in the Division of Wildlife helicopter. She also enjoyed spending time reading, sewing and baking her award-winning pies. She will be greatly missed by her family.
Peg is survived by: her husband Pat Burke, of the family home in Montrose; son Fred (Candi) Burke of Montrose, Colo.; two daughters, Peggy (Wayne) Kiniston of Ridgeway, Colo., and Deb (Tim) Ayer of Montrose, Colo.; two brothers, Jim (Patty) Cook of Meeker, Colo., Tom (Bev) Cook of Meeker,; a brother-in-law, Glen Sutton of Vernal, Utah; three sisters, Dorothy O’Brien of Denver, Sal Ridings of Rangely and Mary Ann Copeland of Meeker; two sisters-in-law, Roberta Cook of Meeker and Lucille Cook of Vernal, Utah; and eight grandchildren, Deidra (Chris) Secakuku, Kindra Burke, Cody (Nicole) Boren, Brandon (Carmen) Boren, Shon (Alex) Kiniston, Lexi Kiniston, Luke (Shayla) Ayer and Kyle Ayer.
Peg was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Daisy; three brothers, Walter, Charlie and Sam Cook; three brothers-in-law, Harold O’Brien, Joe Ridings and Bud Duffy; and two sisters, Sue Sutton and Lois Downey.
Memorial contributions in memory of Peg Burke may be made to Hope West, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Colo. 81402.
At the family’s request, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory in Montrose.