Jarnell M. Burkert

Jarnell Mae (DeLero) "Tootie" Burkert, 80, of West Reading, died March 3, 2012 at Spruce Manor, West Reading.

She was the wife of Troy A. Burkert, Sr., whom she was married to for 42 years.

Born June 20, 1931 in Hamburg, she was a daughter of the late Mr. DeLero and Kathryn Neiswender.

Tootie was employed as a sewer in the garment industry before marriage. She was also employed with Reading Hospital and Medical Center in the central transportation department and child development center for a number of years. She loved working with children.

She was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Reading.

Also surviving are two sons: Troy A., Jr., husband of Laura Burkert of Sinking Spring and Alan T. Burkert at home and a step-daughter, Lynne Schappell of Wernersville; step-son, Judson Burkert of Reading and a daughter-in-law, Anna Frey of Malvern.

Other survivors include six grandchildren: Kathryn, Joseph, Stephen, Christian, Chase and Travis.

Tootie was predeceased by a son, L. Oliver Frey who died August 2009.

Services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Shillington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605 and/or Special Olympics, P.O. Box 939, Reading, PA 19603. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.