Helen Mae Lambert Burtnett, 89, of Ft. Meyers, Fla., previously of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Rockledge, Fla. on Aug. 23, 2011. She was born to the late John Albert and Olive Mae (Bush) Lambert in Beech Grove, Ind.
Raised in Beech Grove and graduated from Beech Grove High School. Helen met the love of her life, Paul Everett Burtnett, while attending the USO dances sponsored for the troops at the Indiana Roof Ball Room in 1945. When Paul returned from the Battle of the Bulge, Helen and he married May 11, 1946. Helen worked at Eli Lilly until 1947 when she had what she called her “retirement party” (her baby shower for their first son, Ralph). Helen and Paul raised their children in Broad Ripple where she was a full time mother and house wife, focusing most of her time on cooking and conducting occasional garage sales. Helen was a member of Northminster Presbyterian, Eastern Star and past board of directors of the Riveria Club.
After Paul passed away in 1985, she did not remarry – “when you have had the best , why settle for less?!” She retired to Ft. Meyers in 1988 where she spent many days running with the “Golden Girls”, playing euchre, poker, bingo and rode her bicycle every day.
She is survived by three children, sons, Earl (Diana) Burtnett and John (Judy) Burtnett, both of New Palestine, daughter, Linda (Gerald) Basler of Rockledge, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "Grandma NETT".
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Paul Everett Burtnett; son, Ralph Everett Burtnett; brothers, Donald, Harold and Earl Lambert; and 2 infant siblings.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at Little and Sons Funeral Home, Beech Grove Chapel, with burial following at New Palestine Cemetery in New Palestine. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at the funeral home.
www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com.
