She was born in Cole County to Peter Joseph Schnieders and Clara Catherine Adrian Schnieders. She was married on April 23, 1960 in Jefferson City to William Turner Burkett who died on November 30, 2001. Survivors include one son, Eric J. Burkett, Jefferson City; four daughters, Suzanne M. Bradley and Jill E. Winegar, both of Jefferson City; Joan M. Sherrow, St. Louis; and Stephanie N. Brizendine, Kansas City; ten grandchildren; four brothers, Paul Schnieders, St. Martins; Clifford Schnieders, Bill Schnieders, and Fred Schnieders, all of Jefferson City; and three sisters, Betty Stauffer, Independence; and Pat Neuner and RuthAnn Higgins, both of Jefferson City. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a volunteer with St. Marys Medical Center Auxiliary. Memorials are suggested to the Dorothy M. Burkett Foundation. She was a 1955 graduate of St. Peter High School. She was employed as a floral designer with Bishop's Florist, Coach Light Flowers and Price's Florist.