Erna L (Runge) Burkey

Poland - Erna L Burkey, 91, of Poland, formerly of Struthers, died Thursday afternoon, August 4, 2016 at Sunrise Assisted Living.

Erna was born November 25, 1924 in Struthers, a daughter of the late Carl and Viola Burg Runge.

A life-long area resident of Struthers, Erna graduated from Struthers High School, Class of 1942. She worked for her parents, at their family grocery store, Runge's in Struthers. She later served as Treasurer for Runges until retiring in 1987.

Erna married her husband of 67 years, Charles Burkey, on November 27, 1947. He died November 6, 2015. Together they worked side by side at Runges, raised their family in Struthers and were active members of Christ Lutheran Church in Struthers and later, members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Boardman.

Erna was a member of the Youngstown Area Grocery Ladies Auxiliary, and the National and Ohio Grocers Association Auxiliary.

Erna leaves her son, Charles (Margaret) Burkey II of Pulaski, PA; two grandchildren, Jill (Michael) Burt and Melissa (Caleb) Broerman; and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Marley Burt.

Besides her parents and husband, Erna was preceded in death by her daughter Miriam Hamilton; and her son, Bruce Burkey.

Services will be held at Tuesday, 11:00 AM at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland with Pastor Paul Burgeson officiating. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Friends will be received Tuesday from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Boardman, OH 44512.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.