Jody K. Burkhart

Jody K Burkhart, 73, of Huntington, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jody was born on December 1, 1951, in Huntington, IN, the daughter of Joe Burkhart Sr. and Margaret “Tillie” (Van Wagner) Burkhart. She graduated from Huntington North High School with the class of 1970. She attended IUPU of Fort Wayne and Indiana Real Estate School. Jody found her niche and made a career in real estate. As a licensed agent she worked for several groups before retiring from Pier 13 Realty. Jody also was a small business owner and spent 8 years' operating the Green Parrot Bar N Grill in South Whitley, IN. Jody belonged to several organizations that she was very active in. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, DAV and Moose Lodge. Jody was a social bug and could light up a room with her beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. Jody was quite the busy body. She enjoyed boating, working in her flower gardens, traveling, bowling, and dancing the night away with good friends. Jody could out play anyone in cards, especially Euchre and Skip-Bo. When Jody wasn’t busy with all her hobbies and tasks, she found great peace being next to the water. Her lake house was one of those places she looked forward to sharing with others. However, Jody’s true place of serenity was Florida and being close to the ocean. Jody loved fearlessly and always supported the ones she adored. She was a typical big sister to Janna & Joe. She used her “leadership skills” to get her point across but, also, was their biggest protector. Jody was a loyal mother to her two children Chris & Kelly and was extremely proud of the wonderful adults they turned out to be. She treasured the friendship they shared. Jody believed becoming a grandmother was simply the best part of growing old. Her grandchildren quickly turned into the center of her universe, and she cherished each of them and the special bond they created. Although Jody found love later in life, she would often brag, she was one of the lucky ones. Dennis brought her so much joy, comfort and love. Survivors include her children, Chris A (Michelle) Wehr of Warsaw, IN, Kelly J (Brent Yohey) Wehr of Fort Wayne, IN; 9, Grandchildren; 12, Great Grandchildren; sister, Janna Rae Williams of Huntington, IN; brother, Joe (Jane) Burkhart of Huntington, IN; many nieces & nephews, and the love of her life, Dennis Beal of Venice, FL. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Burkhart, Sr. & Margaret “Tillie” E. Burkhart and brother-in-law Ray Williams. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 pm. Preferred memorials to the Stillwater Hospice or Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Jody K Burkhart.