Viva Jean Shearwood (Vi) was born on January 13, 1934, to Chester Sherman and Juanita Helen (Robinson) Shearwood, at her grandmother's home outside of Goodman, Missouri. She had three brothers, Leonard, Chester Jr, Howard, and two sisters, Wanda Nadine, and Clara Jane.

Vi went to grade school and high school in Anderson, Missouri, where she played on the volleyball team, was a cheerleader, and enjoyed drama club. She graduated in March, 1952, and married Wilbur Houpt on June 9, 1952, in Anderson, Missouri. After Wilbur's passing in 1985, she met Ronald Burke, and they spent 20 years together until his death.

Vi was an avid league bowler, loved camping, fishing, gardening, cooking, and doing crafts. You name it, she probably did it. She worked as a retail clerk and a bookkeeper. She was a mom to her son David, Ron's children and grandchildren.

Vi passed away with her son and his wife by her side on December 4, 2022.

She is survived by her son, David Houpt, and his wife, Carol, her sister Clara Jane Gilmore, numerous nieces, nephews, and Ron's family.

She will return home and be interred next to her husband, Wilbur, at Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson, Missouri, on May 20 2023.

A celebration of life will be held at her nieces farm in Pierce City, Missouri, after a graveside service.