Emily Gatschet Burnett

SPRINGFIELD,IL-Emily Gatschet Burnett, 87, of Springfield, died Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.
She was born March 8, 1925, in California, Missouri, the daughter of Albert Arnold “Ab” Gatschet and Dr. Ida Stella Hahn Gatschet, DC. She married Samuel W. Burnett, Jr. in 1943 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death in 1998. Also preceding her, in death in addition to her parents and husband, was her daughter, Jan (David) Larson, of Springfield, and brother, Lt. Col. William C. Gatschet, formerly of Bakersfield, CA.
Emily graduated from Hickman High School, Columbia Missouri.
She attended the University of Missouri and University of Illinois at Springfield, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She later earned a Master of Education Degree from Western Illinois University. She worked as a District 186 school secretary at Withrow Elementary School for 8 years and then, after completing her degrees, worked as a school Librarian and taught Special Education Reading and Mathematics until her retirement in 1996.
Emily was an exceptionally loving and patient caregiver to her ailing husband for many years. She enjoyed the company of other people and had a good sense of humor. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by one son: Daniel (Karen) Burnett of Toledo, Ohio; and two daughters: Nancy Farris of California, Missouri; and Kathy Jane Burnett of Springfield; eight grandchildren: Tracey (Bill) Hayes; Jennifer Burnett; Dale (Shelley) Farris, Jr.; Sean Farris; Dee Dee (Chad) Farris-Folkerts; Allan (Kristy) Larson; and Doug Larson.
She had 11 great-grandchildren: Alyse, Aubrey, Ella, Hazel, Chloe, Phoebe, Georgia, Caleb, Matthew, Grace and Isaac; five nieces: Sandra, Donna, Janis, Eileen, Cheryl, and one nephew Brian.
Private services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.