Betty Burke

1933 - 2025

Betty L. Burke, of Roswell, GA, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on June 29, 1933, in Sebewaing, MI, to John and Martha (Skok) Volz, Betty grew up in a farm home filled with music, faith, and the lively energy of a large family. She graduated from Sebewaing High School, earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia University in River Forest, IL, and later completed a master's degree in music education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.
Betty poured her heart into her church and community in Sebewaing. She served as the organist at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and taught elementary school, sharing her love of learning and music with countless children. She met the love of her life, Jim Burke, in second grade. Their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership, and they married in 1956. Together they raised their children, building a home filled with warmth, curiosity, and adventure.
Betty and Jim made their life in Coldwater, MI, where Betty worked as a substitute teacher and served as President of the Tibbits Foundation in the 1970s. In 1982, they began a new chapter in Colorado, living in Snowmass Village and Evergreen. Retirement opened the door to one of their greatest joys: travel. With boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, they explored more than 70 countries and spent many winters in the peaceful beach town of Guayabitos, Mexico. Their final years in Roswell, GA, brought them close to family, where they cherished time together.
Betty will be remembered for her sharp mind, her deep love of music, and her adventurous spirit that encouraged everyone around her to embrace life fully.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim; her daughter, Rebecca; her parents, John and Martha (Skok) Volz; and seven siblings: Adolf (Leona) Volz, Herman (Beverly) Volz, Elmer (Esther) Volz, Clemence (Jean) Volz, Inez (Art) Nitz, Grace (Clemence) Esch, and Judy Volz.
She is survived by her children, Timothy (Vanessa) Burke of Bethel, ME, and Victoria (Patrick) Egan of Roswell, GA; her grandchildren, James (Anne) Egan of Brookhaven, GA, and Sean Egan of Northridge, CA; her brothers in law, Joseph (Nancy) Burke and Donald Villenauve; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
No service will be held. The family kindly asks that flowers not be sent. Betty adored her grand dogs, Brody and Greta, and donations in her memory may be made to Dream Rescue of Atlanta at www.dreamrescue.org.