Louretta Giltz

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Louretta Burke Giltz, age 92, died at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, at her residence in Charleston.

She was born Sept. 27, 1914, in Blodgett, Mo., to the late Emmett Taylor and Lena Burks Burke. She had lived in Charleston most of her life, playing high school basketball as a Blue Jay.

Following her high school graduation she enrolled at Draughn's Business School in Memphis, Tenn., returning to Charleston after completion of her training in office management. A member of the Charleston United Methodist Church, she had served as a leader of the MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) and was an active participant in the UMW (United Methodist Women) and the Susannah Wesley Sunday School Class. Involving herself with her children and the Charleston community, she was a former Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop Leader, had served as President of the Charleston PTA and volunteered many years with the Mississippi County Chapter of the American Red Cross, being instrumental in the organization of the Water Safety and Swimming Lessons program. She was a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Charleston Order of Eastern Star, a member of the Molly French Garden Club, a charter member of the Junior Study Club and for more than 60 years had been a member of "The Sewing Club" and her local bridge club.

She was well known for her beautiful handwork and received the Viewers Choice Award during the annual Dogwood/Azalea Festival Quilt Show in 2006. In addition to being an avid fan of high school, college and professional sports, in 1961 she and her husband began their annual trips to Homestead, Fla., where she acquired great skill as a fisherman and Class A golfer.

On Oct. 19, 1936, she married Harry A. Giltz Jr., who preceded her in death on Dec. 29, 1993.

Surviving are one daughter, Karen Moore of Charleston, one son and daughter-in-law Harry A. "Tony" and Janis Giltz III; one brother, John Burke of Charleston, three sisters, Jessie Brown of Nashville, Tenn., Sally Winchester of Charleston, and Patricia Brock of Columbia; five grandchildren, James E. "J" Moore and Harry A. "Gil" Giltz IV, both of Charleston, John David (Jo) Moore of Sikeston, Verona (Mike) Lambert of Jackson, and Cari (Rob) Ray of Houston, Texas.; six great grandchildren, Macy Jo Moore, Austin Lambert, Scotty Lambert, Maverick Giltz, Victoria Ray and Hunter Ray; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her son-in-law, James E. Moore III; two sisters, Martha Jackson and Jeanne Logan; and three brothers, Edmund Burke, Dick Burke and the Rev. Robert Burke.

Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 funeral Friday at the Charleston United Methodist Church. The Rev. Roger Jespersen, pastor, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Bob Jackson, Emmett Burke, John Luther Winchester, Tom Brown, Steven Burke, Andy French, Richard Logan and John Gallagher. Nephews serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jim Burke, Trel Brock, Gregg Brock, James K. Burke, John Farmer, Bill Farmer, Gregg Vollmer, Geoff Vollmer, Mark Vollmer and Mike Gallagher.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MDMC Foundation Dialysis Center, 1008 N. Main St., Sikeston, Mo. 63801; or United Methodist Church, 1700 E. Marshall, Charleston, Mo. 63834.