Lola Burkhart

Lola Marie Pitts Burkhart

ALTON

Lola Marie Pitts Burkhart, 91, passed away at 6:48 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton.

She was born on Aug.19, 1922, in Dorsey, Ill., the daughter of Walter and Imo (Fraley) Fensterman.

She married Dr. I.W. "Bill" Pitts at the Bunker Hill Congregational Church on Oct. 15, 1942, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 3, 1993. She then married Paul Burkhart on March 11, 1995, at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton. He survives.

She was a member of College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton where she served as a Deacon and Elder. She was a lifetime member of the Alton Community Service League for 75 years. She graduated from Shurtleff College in Alton with her business degree and was member of the museum of History and Art on the SIU Campus at SIU Dental School. She was a member of the Alton Eagles Lodge 254 and enjoyed playing bridge and canasta. She played in several card clubs and was a ballroom dancer.

Dr. I.W. and Lola Pitts were members of the American Optometric Association and involved with the Shriners and Masons.

Lola loved her family and her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Paul Burkhart of Alton; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Craig Smith of Brighton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod and Niki Pitts and Greg W. Pitts, all of Lake Tapawingo, Mo.; three grandchildren, Jason and Alaina Pitts and Craig Smith; two great-grandchildren, Haley Monroe and Addyson Smith.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Gaye Pitts; a grandson, Michael Pitts; and a brother, Rollo Fensterman.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton with Rev. Dale Jackson officiating and Rev. George Humbert, Pastor Emeritus.

Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton or to a charity of one's choice.

Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.