Kaye Stricker March 12, 1942 -- October 12, 2025
Elnora “Kaye” Burkhalter Stricker passed away peacefully the evening of October 12, 2025, at The Gardens at Columbine in Littleton, Colorado, where she was residing in the Memory Care Unit. Born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, March 12, 1942, Kaye was the third child of Louis A. and Marguerite Burkhalter. Her family made their home in Blackwell throughout Kaye’s childhood and high school years; they had deep roots in the community and had many friends. Kaye’s father died when she was only 10 years old, leaving her mother to raise Kay and her siblings as a single parent. She graduated from Blackwell High School in 1960. Her love of music was born early in life. She played trombone in the marching band and was honored to travel to New Orleans and play in the Mardi Gras Marching Band as a high school student.
After graduating high school, she attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where she had been awarded a musical scholarship. She had the distinction of being the only female trombone player in the traveling dance band. While performing at a special event one evening, Kaye met a handsome young man named Delbert (Del) D. Stricker from Greeley, Colorado. Del was serving in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Sill Army Base, in the nearby town of Chickasha. They dated, fell in love, and eventually married. Only two weeks after their marriage in 1963, Del was shipped overseas and deployed for 18 months. They were married 61 years.
A longtime member of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, Kaye loved having fun and being with people; her gift of hospitality was frequently on display as she opened her home to people. She was known for her intelligence and warm, friendly personality. She always took time to make people feel welcome, often hosting people in her home. Kaye was the hospitality board member of Christian Ministries Convention in Denver where she served for many years. Music was an important part of her life. She directed vocal and church bell choirs. She sang with a select Choir, Canto Deo, which toured Europe.
Kaye and Del loved to travel. Their travels led them to Europe, England, Hawaii, and Mexico, as well as a Mediterranean Cruise. Family vacations with their daughters and their families were also a highlight and were always a special time.
Kaye is survived by her husband Del; two daughters, Sherri (Rick) Poellot and Kimberly (Mark) Jones; five grandchildren: Lindsey (David), Jordyn (Mitchell), Emalee, Cobi (Samantha), and Alina; and three great grandchildren: Benjamin, Eliot and Eliza (with one more on the way). She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis A. and Marguerite Burkhalter; her sister, Mary Triplett; and brother, Max Burkhalter. Cooking special candies and breads during the holiday season was a favorite tradition for Kaye. She loved her five grandchildren and enjoyed nothing more than watching them play sports or participate in performances. Kaye was an avid Colorado Rockies fan, holding season tickets for many years. She loved having fun and spending time with family and friends. Kaye loved greatly and will be greatly missed.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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