Martha "Jane" Harris Burkhart

Martha “Jane” Harris Burkhart, 90, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 8:52 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Aperion Healthcare in Marion, Indiana. She was born on May 10, 1934, to Arnold and Lucinda (Gibson) Wooton in Laurel County, Kentucky.

Martha was a homemaker most of her life. She married Willard Harris on January 1, 1949. He passed away on March 6, 1998. She then married James Irvin Burkhart on January 24, 2009. He passed away August 3, 2018. Martha held a membership with Christian Heritage Church for many years in Wabash, Indiana. She was also a member of the Sympathy Club at General Motors in Marion, Indiana. In her free time, Martha enjoyed sewing, embroidering, cooking big family dinners, working on puzzles, and tending to her garden. She was also an avid doll collector throughout her life. 

Martha is survived by one son, Ronnie Harris of Marion, Indiana; two daughters, Jean “Jeani” (Tom) Richards of Wabash, Indiana, Vera Tyner of LaFontaine, Indiana; one daughter-in-law, Linda Harris of Wabash, Indiana; two brothers, Alex Wooten of Cincinnati, Ohio, Pearl Wooton of Hamilton, Ohio; five grandchildren, Jenny (Derrick) Wilson, Christopher "Dob" (Kathy) Harris, Matthew Richards, Ashley (Charlie) Pelphrey, Jeremy (April) Arrowood; Eleven great-grandchildren, Makiah Richards, Hannah Wilson, Emma Wilson, Ava Wilson, Tiffany Pelphrey, Trevor Pelphrey, Dakota Pelphrey, Sierra Pelphrey, Robert "RJ" Harris, Paige Arrowood, and Brooklyn Arrowood; four great-great-grandchildren, Noah Pelphrey, Oliver Pelphrey, Nirvana Pelphrey, and Benjamin Weber. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Lucinda Wooton; both husbands, Willard Harris and James Irvin Burkhart; one daughter, Delora “Dee” Arrowood; one son, Robert "Bob" Harris; three brothers; one sister; and two great-great grandchildren, Paisley Pelphrey and Delilah Pelphrey. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Christian Heritage Church, 2776 River Rd, Wabash, IN 46692.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Martha “Jane” Harris Burkhart’s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

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