Theresa E. Burchette, age 89 of Elwood, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at her residence surrounded by her family following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer's.  She was born on June 13, 1928 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the daughter of Weldon L. and Dorothy (Clevenger) Lytle.  Theresa was a devoted homemaker who loved caring for her family and she also formerly worked at Leeson's Department Store for several years.  She was a 1946 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  She married the love of her life, Robert S. Burchette, on February 14, 1947, and they shared 69 years of marriage together before his passing in 2016.  Theresa was a longtime member of East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood where she became a member at the age of 13 and was devoted to the church for 76 years.  She was also formerly a member of the Home Economics Club in Elwood and the Elwood Order of Eastern Star.  Theresa enjoyed camping and loved to read all types of literature, including books, magazines, and newspapers.  She especially loved taking care of her husband, Bob, and spending time with her family members.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Theresa's family includes 3 sons, Michael (wife Maryanne) Burchette of Elwood, Gary (wife Debbie) Burchette of Summitville, and Mark (wife Judy) Burchette of Elwood; brother, Bob Lytle of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; 3 grandchildren, Sandy (husband Doug) Bowerman of Elwood, Scott Burchette of Elwood, and Shadd (wife Janine) Burchette of Greenwood; 5 great-grandchildren, Daiken, Jonathan, Michael, Connor, and Wyatt; 2 step-grandchildren; 4 step great-grandchildren; a step great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.  Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert S. Burchette, who died on April 25, 2016; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Lytle.

A funeral service celebrating Theresa's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, August 25, 2017 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  The Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Disease Association through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.