Shelba Burkett passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on Thursday, December 14, 1939, in Morgan County, Indiana, the daughter of John Schoolcraft and Alice (Beals) Schoolcraft. Shelba was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Shelba dedicated her life to her family and community. She spent ten years as a talented beautician and the proud owner of her own business. Her passion for serving others extended to her active membership at the First Christian Church in Centralia, where her famous homemade cinnamon rolls brought joy to many gatherings. Shelba’s love for sewing and cooking was well-known, and her culinary talents were a source of delight to her family and friends.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 55 years, Glen Burkett of Centralia, and her four children: Camden Davis and wife Angie of St. Paul, Texas; Myla Hite and husband Rick of Eatonville, Washington; Greg Swickard and wife Michelle of Palm Coast, Florida; and Ron Burkett and wife Bee of Nashville, Illinois. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Shelba is also survived by her brothers, Danny Schoolcraft and Mitchell Schoolcraft, several nieces and nephews, and two cherished friends, John Schafter and Jenny Sisk.
Shelba was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Celeste Hoffman, three brothers, Jimmy, Ralph, and David Schoolcraft, and three sisters, Barbara Pittman, Rosetta Pease, and Linda Bryant.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be on Wednesday afternoon, from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shelba’s honor may be made to the First Christian Church. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801. The funeral home, honored to serve Shelba’s family, can be reached at (618) 532-3523. Shelba’s family invites those who knew and loved her to share condolences online by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
