Karen Sue (Colpaert) Burkett

Karen Sue Burkett

October 12, 1946 – March 21, 2025

Karen Sue Burkett, age 78 of Monroe, passed away at 5:38 am, Friday, March 21, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital.

Born October 12, 1946 in Monroe, she is the daughter of the late Raymond and Alverta (Bishop) Colpaert. Karen attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1964. She married her beloved husband Richard Burkett on June 18, 1966. Sadly, he preceded her in death on March 20, 2019.

Karen worked for many years as everyone’s favorite “Lunch Lady” at Ida Public Schools, retiring in 2005. She was a lifelong parishioner of First Presbyterian Church of Monroe. Karen and her husband were 4-H leaders with the Busy Otters for more than thirty years and she was an active member of Maybee Sportsman Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Karen enjoyed watching gameshows, especially Wheel of Fortune and was known by many as the Amazon Queen for her love of shopping online. She cherished her many trips traveling with her husband and family to trapshooting events. Most of all, Karen loved her grandchildren, often cooking whatever meal their heart may desire. She will be forever remembered as a loving, thoughtful, and giving person who will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161, where services celebrating her life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Rev. Dr. Doris Chandler will officiate. Interment will follow at LaSalle Township Cemetery.

To cherish her memory, Karen leaves her two daughters, Melissa Burkett of LaSalle and Amber (Michael) Ellerman of Monroe; one brother, Richard “Rick” (Kathy) Colpaert of Monroe; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Colpaert of Monroe and Carolyn Burkett of Ida; and three cherished grandchildren: Gunner Blank, Michael Ellerman II, and Olivia Ellerman.

In addition to her parents and husband, Karen is preceded in death by one brother, Ken Colpaert; and one brother-in-law, Wilbur Burkett I.

Memorial contributions in Karen’s memory are suggested to the “Now I Lay Me Down” bed ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Monroe.

Online condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com