Dortha Marie Burdette

Mrs. Dortha Marie Mason Burdette, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Harley Mason and Ethel Bibbee Mason, and a lifelong resident of Parkersburg. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1952.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Ray (Doc) Burdette. They married in 1955. In the early years she did the bookkeeping for Burdette’s Pure Oil while creating a welcoming home for her family. She never slowed down - cooking, cleaning, decorating, canning, sewing, crafting, gardening, volunteering at Roosevelt School - Dortha was always busy and always excelled at everything she attempted. Most importantly, she loved taking care of Doc and her kids.

Later she joined Doc in the day-to-day operation of Burdette’s Sunoco. She also supported him in the raising and training of Walker foxhounds. She loved to win as they traveled to competitions across the south. In their later years they owned and operated Utah Hill Fox Preserve, where they welcomed hunters from across the country. She was famous for her hospitality and the delicious meals she prepared. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.

In her last few years, she suffered from dementia, and eventually she moved to Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation in Alexander City, Alabama. There, her granddaughter Megan made sure that her days were happy. She was the “domino queen” to the residents and “Grandma” to all of the caregivers.

Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Marchant (Jarvis) of Hazlehurst, GA and sons, Steve Burdette (Susie) and Mike Burdette (Melissa) of Parkersburg. Her grandchildren are Amber Silvia (Tom) of Parkersburg, Matt Marchant (Kelsey) of Baxley, GA, Megan East (Jarrod) of Dadeville, AL, Trampus Burdette, Zack Burdette, and Tyler Burdette (Brodi) all of Parkersburg. Her great- grandchildren are Manning and Bellamy Marchant, Nate Kemper, Zack Silvia, and Emrie Ray Johnson. She also leaves her much-loved sister, Nancy Townsend of Parkersburg.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, Pike St., South Parkersburg with Pastor Chuck Furbee officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, August 1 from 5-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Lambert Tatman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burdette family.