Retha Irene Burns

Funeral service for Retha Irene Burns will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, at Friendly Foyil Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Ward's Grove Cemetery under the direction of Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Funeral Service & Crematory. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Monday 1-6 p.m.

Retha died Wed., May 25, 2011, at Rolling Hills Nursing Home, Catoosa, at the age of 94.

The daughter of William and Myrtle (Phillips) Lewis was born Aug. 5, 1916, in Washburn, Sebastian County, AR. She moved to the Claremore area around 8 years of age. In 1934, Retha married Edward N. Burns at the Rogers County Courthouse. Retha was a homemaker and a farmer. She ran Burns Grill in downtown Claremore for several years in the late 50's and early 60's. She was a member of Foyil Baptist Church. Retha loved to garden, can, and was known for her wonderful cakes and pies. She enjoyed listening to her music, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and taking care of her cattle.

Retha is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Ed; her mother, Myrtle Lewis; father, William Lewis; step-mother, Ora Lewis; brother, Richard Lewis; and an infant sister.

She is survived by her children: Wanda Derosia and husband, Ed of Chelsea, and Mervin Burns and wife, Sammye of Foyil; 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Veda Burns of Foyil; and sister-in-law, Lillian Burns of Chelsea.