Mary “Arlene” Burken, age 89, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away early morning on April 20, 2026, at Oak Pointe, Carthage, Missouri. She was born on July 18, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of the late Alonzo Murphy and Lucille (Roth) Murphy. Arlene lived a life marked by love, faith, kindness, and steady devotion to her family and community.
Arlene grew up in Iowa and graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy before continuing her education at St. Anthony’s Hospital Nursing School in Rockford, Illinois, where she received her nursing degree. Her calling to care for others guided much of her life and shaped the many roles she held over the years. Arlene married the love of her life, John A. Burken of Clinton, Iowa, on December 28, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa, and together they shared many years of love and memories; he preceded her in death on November 14, 2000. She began her career as a registered nurse, serving with compassion and skill until 1963. She later became the Director of the Tri County Cerebral Palsy Center in Webb City, Missouri, where she dedicated herself to helping others with patience and purpose. In time, she also worked as a paraprofessional for many schools in the Carthage R-9 School District, where her presence was appreciated by students and staff alike.
Arlene was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, and her faith was an important part of who she was. She took part in PCCW and the Altar and Rosary Society. She also taught at the Parish School of Religion, sharing her beliefs and values with younger generations. She was active in the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and volunteered at Stone’s Throw Theater in Carthage. Her life reflected a deep commitment to service, and she gave generously of her time, energy, and heart wherever she was needed. Those who knew Arlene will remember her as a loving, faith-filled, and friendly woman who brought warmth into every room she entered. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and she found joy in reading and working on puzzles. She was constantly active and always seemed to have something in progress, whether it was a project, a task, or a way to help someone else. Her family and friends will remember her for her gentle spirit, her strong work ethic, and the comfort she brought to others through her presence and care.
Arlene is survived by her daughters, Jolene Thompson (Keith), Springfield, Missouri, Jennifer Burken (April), Republic, Missouri, Kathleen Burken (fiancé Josh Davenport), Carthage, Missouri, and Susan Williams (Scott), Carthage, Missouri; her sons, Greg Burken (Linda), Carthage, Missouri, and Tony Burken (Courtney), Ozark, Missouri; her grandchildren, Abby Skinner (Anthony), Joplin, Missouri, Elizabeth Burken, Joplin, Missouri, Christopher Thompson, Republic, Missouri, Kyle Thompson (Jeremy Cippele), Las Vegas, Nevada, Seth Williams, La Pine, Oregon, Samantha Stevens (Steven), Cudahy, Wisconsin, Stephanie Burken, Ozark, Missouri, Heather Janssen (Brad), Kearney, Nebraska, and Amanda Millard (Eric), Seneca, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Beckett Skinner, Gwenyth Stevens, Vivian Stevens, Kyden Pettyjohn, and Steffen Millard; her brother, Richard “Dick” Murphy, Osceola, Iowa; and many extended family members and friends. She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Burken; and a brother, Robert Murphy.
Funeral mass will be held at 10 am, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Carthage. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carthage. Rosary will be prayed from 5-5:30 pm, Friday, April 24, 2026, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, with visitation following from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Memorial gifts are suggested to Tri County Cerebral Palsy Center in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
