Vi Burkhart: Thriving at 90

She was born Viola Mae Sarver in the midst of a blizzard on January 21, 1936. Old Doc McKelvey had to walk to her house, because the snow was too deep and the road impassible. But all worked out for baby and mother that day. And in this year of 2026 Vi Burkhart turns 90 years young.

The journey to her ninth decade has been winding and varied. It’s been full of joys and challenges, good times and bad.  But she never dwelled in the depths of what was negative, instead choosing a positive route.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Vi was born the second child to Clarence and Ruth Sarver in Greensburg, PA. There would eventually be four children, and they all worked hard on the family farm. Growing corn, baling hay and milking cows were a regular part of the day. For Vi, learning to sew clothes, clean the house, garden, cook hearty meals, and can food for the cold months ​filled her time.

A Great Depression baby, Vi grew up without extravagances. The family labored hard to have what they needed. Birthdays and Christmas weren’t times to rest, because there was much to be done. There weren’t gifts, either. “Be thankful you have a roof over your head and food on the table,” her father would say.

With 13 years between her and the next sibling, she was a big help to her mother, often looking after the two little ones. She didn’t really mind. She actually enjoyed caring for others. She longed to help others and make a difference in the world. It made sense, then, that she wanted to go to nursing school when she graduated from high school.

But there was no money for that, her parents told her. She needed to stop thinking about a further education.

So after high school she went to work at the five and dime store. She enjoyed the customers and people she worked with. She had a group of close friends, getting together for socials and square dancing. And there was always work to be done on the farm.

She also faithfully attended church. From an early age, her Christian faith was important to her. She knew the Lord as part of her daily life. And church services and activities were as necessary as the air she breathed. 

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:2

When she met Jim Clawson, they realized how much they had in common. He was the oldest of four brothers, and also grew up on a family farm. They dated, fell in love and got married. They wanted a life of love for their children and each other.

And children came. First was Dean, a strong little boy who grew to love animals and nature. A year later came Sandy, a pretty girl with blonde curly hair who wanted to be a nurse, just as her mother always had. And

then came me, Cheryl. I was third. They all called me “the baby,” which I hated. “I am not the baby, I am the youngest,” I would respond. These days, my parents or siblings can call me the baby any time they want. I love it. From the time I was born, I soaked up the love of our family.

Anyone who lives long learns the truth of the scripture, “In this world there will be trouble.” And Vi and her young family were no exception. Jim was hurt in a terrible accident at the steel factory where he worked and suffered severe complications. One day, the future was bright. The next, Jim was seriously ill. And then he was gone.

Jim died when Vi was only 28 years old, with three young children.

Dean and Sandy were in elementary school. I was three and I went everywhere Vi did. I was her shadow. And she was a busy lady. She cleaned houses and ironed clothes to provide for her family. I remember running to keep up with her as she walked briskly down the street and held my hand. That’s still my pace today.

She was strong. Her parents wanted her to move the family back to their farm, where it might be easier for her. She said no, she and her three children would stay in their own home.

Vi also didn’t want pity for being a widow. One memory still makes me smile. Susie, my best friend on Gertrude Street, was also the daughter of a widow. Susie and I realized that people would buy coal to heat their houses. So, young entrepreneurs that we were, we gathered lumps of coal from the alley and went door to door, selling them to our neighbors. Vi was appalled when she found out what the little girls of the two widows were doing, Not wanting anyone to think we were charity cases, she made us return the money to each neighbor.

After growing up without extravagances, she made sure things were better for her children. I remember my Chatty Cathy doll under the Christmas tree. I remember the tricycle I loved riding up and down the street. We may not have had much, but I felt as rich as anyone could be. Vi  worked hard to provide a happy and secure life for her children.

Dean says, “She is the centerpiece of our family. Small but mighty! Like a mother hen always looking out for her chicks!”

Sandy echoes Vi’s value to her family. “I’m grateful for her love – steadfast, sacrificial and unwavering. She showed that love is not just words, but in how she lived each day -- always prioritizing her faith and trusting God through each season. Her endurance and perseverance shaped the foundation of our family. When life was hard, Mom maintained strength and determination.”

All of that is enough to be a life achievement. But she wasn’t done yet.

My Uncle Dell knew a nice divorced man with two children. His name was Don Burkhart and he had full custody of his kids – rare at that time, and a real testament to his good character. Would Vi babysit Don’s two children in the summer?

She said yes and the Burkhart family became daily visitors at the Clawson home. More kids to play with, we thought! After a day of watching Don’s two kids, Chuck and Robin, Vi invited them all to stay for dinner. That was good with them, and we all enjoyed the meal together – and many more in future days.

I remember all of us playing miniature golf and going out for ice cream. Sometimes we all went to the drive-in movies. How else could Don and Vi go out on a date, but with their kids?

After a summer of the families being together, Don and Vi were in love and knew they wanted to raise their combined children together. They married in 1967.

They bought a bigger house, one with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. It was much better than the old one with three bedrooms and one bathroom! And our two families grew together, with the kids calling each parent “Mom” and “Dad” and without the moniker of any “steps.”

Life was busy, and full of the normal ups and downs of a big family. Vi and Don were a united front in raising the five kids, prioritizing God and family. They made sure we all did our homework and ate dinner together. We had daily chores, and cleaned the house on Saturdays. Sundays were for church and visiting the grandparents – rotating the three sets so that we spent time with each.

And Vi did all she could to stretch dollars for the large family. She not only grew an abundance of fruits and vegetables, but also canned and froze them to last throughout the year. She and Don helped her parents butcher pigs on their farm, and bought a quarter beef at a time to stock the freezer. She sewed clothing for the three girls and taught them to sew.

“My happy memories are her teaching me to sew and providing everything I needed from cardboard for Barbie furniture to yards of fabric for gowns to college events,” Sandy reminisces. “I remember a time when we had a blizzard of snow and she quickly agreed to take me to the fabric store to buy some fabric because I wanted to create an outfit.”

Since Dean and Chuck, as well as Sandy and Robin were in the same grade, that meant expensive years of high school rings, prom dresses and rented tuxes, as well as the busyness of activities and multiple schedules. I was three years younger, so I spread out the fun. (At least that’s my story, ha!) Mom had chosen her husband well and the two of them kept everything going.

Chuck remembers, “Mom had the patience to teach me how to drive. And she made me an excellent driver. She was the glue for our combined family.”

And as the children became adults and ventured forth into their new paths, the weddings followed. They were fun events all and each special. When asked to create a wedding gown for Robin, Vi was delighted. She sewed the wedding gown and then dresses for the four bridesmaids, too. What a gift the creations were! Vi and Don hosted many celebrations in their home, from rehearsal dinners to post-wedding gatherings.

They also welcomed their daughters- and sons-in-law into the family. I know my husband Dave speaks for many when he says that Vi and Don are parents to him. Not even just “like” parents, but parents.

 And after the marriages came grandchildren. This was a new season, with the births of 11 grandchildren spanning 14 years. The first grandchild was Robin and Kevin’s son Phillip and later, daughter Heather. Dean had Christy with this first wife, Cathy, and gained two daughters, Kara and Kelly, with his second marriage to Wilma. Chuck and Carla had Jeremy. Sandy and Dave had three children: Justin, Jesse and Jackie. And my Dave and I had two: Alyssa and Stephen.

Now called Grandma Vi, she hosted the family gatherings. From summer picnics to Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas Eve gatherings, each get-together was perfectly executed, At the table was warm and nourishing comfort food, along with conversation that was fun, joking and spiced with love.

Kelly says, “Though we came to her as ‘bonus’ grandchildren, my Grandma Vi welcomed us with open arms and a love that has always felt complete. She is grace in human form—elegant, warm, and effortlessly poised. Her home, especially during the holidays, is beautiful and inviting, and it remains the blueprint for how I gather people today. So much of who I am—how I host, how I love, how I show up—comes from her quiet example. I carry her grace with me always.”

As the life journeys of a couple of Vi’s children moved them to other parts of the country, some of the grandchildren lived far away.  Phillip and Heather lived in various places, including Florida and South Carolina. Justin, Jesse and Jackie grew up in North Carolina.

Anytime they had the opportunity, Vi and Don would welcome their grandchildren into their home. Robin brought Phillip and Heather to visit. And many times, the North Carolina grandchildren would come up to Pennsylvania to spend a few days or a week. When asked, Vi and Don even drove to meet the Bakich family halfway in order for Justin, Jesse and Jackie to stay with them.

It was easier for Jeremy, Christy and later Kara and Kelly, because they only lived a few miles away. They were close enough to see their grandparents any time at all.

We lived about an hour and a half away, and we spent a lot of time visiting them. Growing up with Grandma Vi and Pappy Don was a gift to my kids. They learned a lot about life, faith in God, and love for one another by spending time with their grandparents. And once each year, Dave and I got away for a long weekend alone together. (I recommend this to any couple if possible!) While Dave and I were blessed to have the time to reconnect as a couple, our kids and parents were blessed to have that special time together.

Alyssa says, “If I could pick one word to describe my Grandma Vi, it would be caring. She has always made me feel loved and cared for. And now, at 90 years old, her caring, kindness, and strength continue to inspire me. I love her deeply and am so grateful to be her grandchild.”

Stephen, too, was deeply impacted by Grandma Vi. He says, “Grandma Vi always made me feel safe and loved. I remember spending time at her house, and she would always tuck me in and pray with me before bedtime." He adds, "That’s how I learned the difference between the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles Creed.”

And these days, Vi is delighted to be Great Grandma Vi to 11 little ones.

She plays an important role in their lives, too. Kara says, “Years ago, when my twins were very little, Grandma and Pap were at my house, and the boys instantly took to them. One of my favorite pictures of Grandma is when she is holding one of the boys and they are all nuzzled up on her shoulder. Babies know who they can trust, who loves them, and who will protect them. As the matriarch of our family, Grandma has been all of those qualities for every one of us.”

She also shares about the long-term impact of Vi’s house. “It was always a place I felt loved, safe, happy, and that I trusted. I can only hope that I can bring a little of that to my own children and grandchildren at Christmas like Grandma has for all of us.”

Sandy shares this biblical encouragement:

“Honor her for all that her hands have done.” - Proverbs 31:31

Now at 90, both Vi and Don are still very much in love and celebrating almost 59 years of marriage. They reflect the love of Christ through their kindness and love. They have been faithful members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Latrobe for 58 years. They read the Bible and other books. And they are always available to family and friends.

They still live in the same four-bedroom house in Latrobe, PA where we grew up. They regularly exercise at the gym, and only recently have they quit golfing. Their gardening days are slowing a bit. No matter the season, Vi keeps an immaculate house, shops for groceries, and enjoys cooking.

Vi planned a surprise family gathering to celebrate Don's 90th birthday. Fun was in order!

These days, I chat with her on the phone many mornings when I walk, we play online or face-to-face Scrabble, cook together, and just spend time talking and laughing.  She gives me tips on gardening, canning and living life. She and Dad are the first two to read and appreciate my PeopleLivingWell.com blogs when they’re posted. Most importantly, she has shown me resilience, strength and the importance of love through her life’s journey of 90 years. She is my inspiration.

I think about the heart’s desire she once had of being a nurse. Both Sandy and Alyssa have fulfilled this dream of nursing in their own lives, which has made Vi proud.  But she has lived out that heart’s desire in another way.

From childhood, Vi longed to help others and make a difference in the world. That’s exactly what she has done. She has lived a life of caring - for God, her family, friends, neighbors and everyone she meets. Through the ups and downs of a rollercoaster life, she has done more than survive. She has thrived. And she has made an indelible impact on those around her.

Making the world a better place for having been in it is Vi’s legacy.

Happy birthday and tremendous kudos for 90 years of life very well lived, Vi Burkhart.

We love you.