Rachelle Suzan Burk

     Rachelle Suzan “Ricki” Burk, passed away unexpectedly in Clearwater Florida, on April 6, 2026, at the age of 72. Ricki was born on May 20, 1953, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Charles and Mary Margaret Stachel. She graduated from St. Johns High School in 1971 as class Salutatorian. She married Gary Lynn Burk on August 19, 1972, and graduated from Mercy Central School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1974. For 42 years Ricki answered her calling as a nurse, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to caring for those in need. She touched countless lives with her kind words and steady presence. Most of her career was spent caring for patients at Clinton Memorial Hospital. While working, Ricki continued her education at Central Michigan University, completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Before retiring in 2015, Ricki served as Vice President of Nursing at the Sparrow/Ionia Hospital.
     Ricki and Gary have 3 children: Matthew (Teresa) Burk, Melanie (Jason) Near, and Megan Swartout; 9 grandchildren: Drew (Paige) Burk, Allison (Jon) Buchler, Macey (Travis) Scott, Madelyne Fowler, Gavin Burk, Konnor Near, Karsyn Near, Olivia Swartout, and Isabella Swartout; and 3 great-grandchildren: Payson Scott, Blake Burk, and Calvin Burk. She has 4 sisters: Jeanne (Rick) Hudson, Lisa (Mick) Lynch, Mary (Mike) Price, and Carrie (Brent) Simon; 1 sister-in-law, Olga Burk, 1 brother-in-law, Tom Burk, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ricki was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws (Merlin and Betty Burk), brother-in-law Larry Burk, and nephew Brandon Simon.
     Ricki’s life passion was always centered on helping and caring for others. In her retirement, she enjoyed crafting, playing cards with family and friends, reading, and spending time at the lake in Harrison, Michigan, as well as at Ranch Mobile Park in Clearwater, Florida. But above all else—aside from her faith, the true loves of her life were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ricki was strong, fiercely loving, yet gentle. She always seemed to know exactly what to say at just the right moment. She was the “Rock” of our family, and her absence has left a place in each of us that will forever feel incomplete.
     The mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Johns, Michigan. Interment will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns, Michigan immediately following the mass. A luncheon will follow at the St. Johns Knights of Columbus Hall. Visitation will be Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1pm-7pm, At Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, with family present from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm.
     Memorials may be made to UM Health-Sparrow Home Hospice and Harrison Knights of Columbus Hall, 212 S. Broad Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.