Gerda Elisabeth (Mell) Burke was born in Melsungen, Germany on December 15, 1931, to Friedrick and Martha (Gombert) Mell and passed away on March 24, 2025, at the River Mountain Advance Care in Newport, Washington. She was 93 years old.

Gerda grew up in Germany and lived through WWII. She came to the United States in 1954, becoming a U.S. citizen shortly thereafter and lived most of her life in Newport, Washington. Gerda worked at Kimmel Drug Store, in Newport from 1957 until 1963. She then worked at Union Oil Bulk plant in Newport as secretary and bookkeeper from 1963 until 1972.

Later she worked at the Golden Spur Restaurant in Newport from 1973 until 1986 and taught German language at Cusick High School from 1986 to 1988. She lived at Luther Park in Sandpoint from August 2014 to November 2022 before moving back to Newport.

On March 24th, 1975, Gerda married Colonel Charles S.

Burke, her loving companion, for the next 34 years. Gerda is survived by daughter, Janett Anselmo, son David (Susan) Easley, stepson Bill (Desiree) Burke, stepdaughters Peggy Hensen and Ginny (Tom) Hernadez; grandchildren Michael (Marian) Pearson, Steve Anselmo, Robert (Kelly) Easley, Allen Easley, Christopher (Emy) Burke, Tommy Hernadez, Kathy Palmer, Kim Palmer, Keith Palmer, Duke Jones, Geri Jones, Debbie Jones, Arthur Burke, Juanita Rogers, Annmarie Lewis, Katrina Pescador, Shawn Erdman and Angela Parks. Gerda had 36 great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren.

Gerda was preceded in death by her husband Charles S. Burke, stepsons, Chuck Burke, John Burke and Pat Burke, stepdaughters, Dee Palmer and Penny Erdman.

Graveside services for Gerda will be held on Friday, April 25th at 10 a.m. at Newport Cemetery, followed by a Memorial/ Celebration of Life afterward at the Newport Community Church located at 430 W 3rd in Newport.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Newport Community Church, PO Box 959, Newport, WA. 99156. Sherman-Campbell in Newport, are handling all the arrangements.