Everett Lee Burkholder

March 9, 2026, Everett passed from this life into eternity with his Lord. He was born October 25, 1930, to Alice and Howard Burkholder in Van Nuys, California. Soon afterwards the family returned to the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista, Colorado where he grew up on a dairy farm with his three sisters and brother.

January 5, 1952, Everett married the love of his life, Phyllis (Bonnie) Reinhardt. They had three daughters, Linda, Shelley and Kristi. Seeking opportunity they moved to Farmington, NM in 1957, where the family welcomed a son, Rodney in 1958. They were married for 74 years. The family became life-long members of St. John's Episcopal church, where they worshipped regularly.

Everett eventually made a career of the U.S. Postal Service where he served for 35 years. He was retired for one day before finding another job. He worked at Child Haven as their maintenance person for another 15 years. He was never one for idle hands.

Everett was an extremely talented person. He enjoyed wood working, knitting and other crafty things, as well as oil painting. He and Bonnie led an art class at the Senior Center for many years. He knitted prayer shawls for the hospital and cancer center for years.

Everett and Bonnie had the shell of a dome home built on Foothills, where he got certified to do electrical and plumbing. It took a number of years for them to finish the inside of their new home due to both continuing to work full-time. He could make, do or fix anything and had many clients all around town.

Everett is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie and three daughters, Linda Brown, Shelley Stricklin and Kristi Gurule, his sisters Juanita Dobey, Doris Miller and Margery Siemering. In addition, he has 6 grandchildren, Michael Brown, Steven Brown, Kathleen Ogle Calabrese, Radina Judah, Ryan Stricklin and Tim Burkholder: great-grandchildren Brandon Brown, Hannah Brown Blake, Andrew Brown, Sierra Burkholder, Gavin Burkholder, Rycktor Vernetti, Aidyn Venetti and Kole Calabrese, and great-great-granddaughter, Jessica Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Alice, his brother Marvin, his son Rodney and great-grandson Cameron Brown.

Everett was a multi-talented, generous and loving man. He loved to tease and play games. He was a man of great faith and integrity. Though he may be gone, he left a legacy which was the example of his life and family. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Child Haven – donations@childhavennm.org

The Family of Everett Burkholder has entrusted his care with Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington "Family First" (505) 327-5142; 404 W. Arrington St., Farmington, New Mexico 87401