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Viola L. (Earnest) Burkholder, 80, of Reedsville, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
Born March 9, 1946, in Lewistown, she was the daughter of the late Byron and Helen (Armstrong) Earnest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael W. Burkholder, and sister, Linda Boreman, both in 2014.
She is survived by her partner, Richard Carolus, of Burnham; children, Angela Burkholder, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Steven Burkholder, of Denver, Colo.; sister, Helen McKnight and husband, Keith, of McClure; and brother, Bill Earnest and wife, âMitchã, of Lewistown.
Following her 1964 graduation from Lewistown High School, Vi remained close with many classmates throughout her life. She worked at the Diana Shop, G.C. Murphy's, and KV Dairy before becoming a devoted homemaker. In the years that followed, she spent her most cherished professional time as Head Teller at Kish Bank, serving the Belleville and Stone Valley offices.
Vi and Mike shared an enduring love of walking and the outdoors, which became the source of countless adventures when the couple pursued their lifelong dream of moving West. Their exploration of Colorado and the Western United States included hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, rafting, and camping. In addition to working at Highline Lake State Park in Fruita, Vi volunteered for years at the Fruita Community Senior Center, helping manage everything from weekly potlucks to organizing multi-day trips across the Southwest.
Vi took pride in staying active, exercising, and making friends everywhere she went. A gifted crafter, she shared her warmth by crocheting and gifting over 100 handmade Afghan blankets to loved ones. Her bright spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed.
Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Home, Burnham, is handling arrangements. Per her wishes, no formal services will be held.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Condolences may be offered at hoenstine funeralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Vi's love for dogs by donating to the Huntingdon County Humane Society or an animal rescue of your choice.