Ola, 95, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Sensations Memory Care. Ola was born to Ira and Vera (Rolfe) Halsey.

A graduate of Charlotte High School, she married Joel Burnett on November 25, 1940. In the spring of 1941, she and Joel moved to their family farm on South Cochran where she lived until her death.

Ola is survived by her children: Angela Leonard, Dave (Marge) Burnett, Carolyn (Edward) Moghtader and Juanita (Kevin) Thornton; eight grandchildren; Christy (Glen) Bobart, Robert (Leslie) Burnett, Kevin (Shannon) Leonard, Jeremy (Elissa) Moghtader, Justin (Patience) Moghtader, Brock Thornton, Blain Thornton, Blake Thornton; 3 step grandchildren, Martha Slick, Matthew (Mary) Slick and Jennifer Ivory; 9 great grandchildren; 6 step great grand children and 1 step great-great grandchild. She is also survived by one sister (Ila Burnett) and two sisters-in-law (Shirley Halsey and Peg Halsey) as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joel, her parents, sixteen brothers and sisters, daughter-in-law Teri Burnett, and son-in-law George Leonard.

She was a member of the South Cochran Church of God. She was a devoted farmer’s wife following high school graduation. Ola was an excellent cook and baker. She labored over a wood cook stove and no running water, cooking for thrashers, buzz crews, and farm hands until the 1960’s. She raised four children, gardened, picked berries and put enough food in the cellar to last the year.

Once the kids left home Ola’s role expanded to working side by side with Joel on the farm, baling hay and caring for their flock of sheep.

Ola had and artistic knack which developed into decorating cakes for family and friends celebrating weddings and anniversaries. Ola enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes that often included outdoor adventures and craft projects. Her grandchildren experienced firsthand her love of crafting and looked forward to visiting the farm. These visits also included fresh homemade bread, helping grandma pick berries, arranging flowers into gorgeous arrays, trips to the woods to pick wildflowers, playing with kittens and feeding pet lambs.

Ola spent her last few years working crossword puzzles, playing scrabble and rummy with her family and caregivers; winning more than her fair share.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Robert Homan officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may go to South Cochran Church of God, Eaton Community Palliative Care, or the charity of one’s choice.

Burkhead-Green Funeral Home