Martha Frances Burkey

Martha Frances Tinkle Burkey, 99 years young, of Lakewood, California, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Martha held many titles throughout her life, but was most recently known as "GiGi" for her final role of Great Grandmother.

Martha was born May 07, 1926 in Greenwood, Indiana to Guy Edwin Tinkle and Rebecca Ellen Christian Tinkle. Martha was sixth in the lineup of eleven children. Martha had five sisters; Ellen, Rosemary, Maxine, Joe, Doris and five brothers; Gerald, Sam, Jim, Dick, and Bill. Martha and her siblings grew up on a wonderful farm in Greenwood, Indiana, where they enjoyed playing hide and seek in the barn, as well as helping their parents do all sorts of chores around the house and farm.

Martha attended high school at Centergrove High School in Johnson County Indiana where she was the Senior Class President. In June 1948, Martha graduated from Ball State College with a BS in Nursing, and in July of that year, Martha completed her nurses' training at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana.

While attending college, Martha met her soulmate, Harold Burkey III on a blind date.

On July 17, 1948, Martha Francis Tinkle married Harold Burkey III at his childhood home at 814 W. Charles Street in Muncie, Indiana.

Martha and Harold welcomed their first son, Harold Burkey IV (Hal) in May of 1954.

In 1957, Martha, her husband Harold III and son Hal, moved out West where they found their forever home in Lakewood, California. The Burkey family made multiple trips back-and-forth on old route 66, bringing all their belongings from Indiana, filling their small house with treasures and memories.

Martha and Harold welcomed their second son, Guy Bruce Burkey in January of 1961.

Martha had many joys of life, one in particular was working as a nurse. During her career as a nurse, Martha was best known for her compassion to help others, her “no nonsense” attitude, and always being the neighborhood nurse.

Martha's first job in California was at Dr. Jeton’s office in Bellflower as a Doctors Nurse. Martha worked there from 1958 to 1963. Soon after leaving Dr. Jetons office, Martha began working night shifts as a Private Duty Nurse. After four years as a Private Duty Nurse, Martha began working at Bellwood General Hospital in Bellflower, California. Martha had a successful career as Supervisor of the Emergency Room for more than 40 years, retiring in 1998 at the age of 72.

In addition to her career, Martha Burkey, lived a life of adventure, painting pictures and taking photos whereever she went. Martha enjoyed bike riding, gardening, and bowling into her 80’s. A lifelong sports fan, Martha was never far from the sidelines in countless games played by her loved ones, or in front of the TV watching her beloved Los Angeles sports teams. Martha could often be found watching her children and grandchildren play volleyball, cheering on with an expectation of success and always being generous with sharing a “high-ten”. She also loved to bake, with her famous cinnamon rolls being a treat everyone looked forward to Christmas morning.

A true green thumb, Martha enjoyed working in her garden at her home in Lakewood. The dwarf lemon tree in her backyard was a source for the best lemons anyone could ask for, making countless lemon bars and pitchers of lemonade over the years. A testament to the ones she loved, her home was filled with paintings and portraits of family, albums of memories, and snapshots of special moments to be remembered.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Burkey III, her parents, Guy and Rebecca and her 10 siblings.

Martha is survived by her two sons: Harold Burkey IV (Nancy) and Guy Bruce Burkey (Leah); her three granddaughters: Hanna Cash (Jason), Laura Cavanaugh (Andy), Bonnie Shover (Eric); her six great grandchildren: Jack, Avery, Colby, Callie, Logun and Aidan, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many others who called her Mom, Grandma, Friend.

Funeral services will be held on March 20, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Lakewood First United Methodist Church, located on 4300 Bellflower Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90713. Funeral services will be live streamed. A catered lunch will follow in Baker Hall to celebrate the truly well-lived life of Martha Burkey.

Please wear a shade of purple, her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the Lakewood First United Methodist Church, where she was a member for nearly 70 years.

Martha's life was one of devoted love to both her family and her church. She leaves behind a family that will remember her gentle, loving spirit that made everyone smile, a sense of humor that made everyone laugh, and a lesson in how to live life on your own terms, even if that means having just one more bite of chocolate. Her memory will forever be cherished.