Burma Sweeny

Burma Sweeny was a caring mother, grandmother, Gigi, sister, and friend. She left this world after a brief illness on May 5, 2022. Although she was so frail from cancer, she gave us all such strength, courage, and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. Burma was born on January 9, 1943, in Pikesville, Kentucky. She was the fifth of seven children born to Clayton and Myrtle Ratliff. Burma loved growing up with her large family and never yearned for anyone to play with and get into mischief during those younger years. Burma often recalled her childhood with the fondest of memories when she talked about growing up in the Kentucky holler and eventually in Northwood Ohio. Those stories and memories are ones her three daughters will treasure forever.

Burma was that type of person that once you met her, you instantly loved her. She had a way of making you feel welcome and at home with her huge smile and long hugs. Burma loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family, especially her homemade cornbread. She loved to read and was often found with a good cup of coffee and book in her hand. She, too, enjoyed working on ceramics and taught many in the Toledo area her many creative techniques. Her family and friends still enjoy many beautiful, finished pieces that she personally made for each one of them. She was a true lover of nature, mainly the beauty of the elephant. This was obvious in the countless elephant knickknacks in her home. She often joked and told her family not to buy any more elephant gifts, but when they did, she smiled and truly adored each new piece.

Burma loved her family and friends greatly. She had a kind and generous soul and was always there to listen and offer advice. She would go out of her way to support anyone who asked her for help. These traits will be forever missed by so many friends and family who loved her dearly. It’s because of those attributes that her daughters find comfort knowing that she is finally at peace and at home with our Lord. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her three girls who she absolutely adored and loved.

She is survived by Kelly Jo Holmes, Karen Jean Whitmore (Cindy Martin), and Kathy Lynn Heath (Chris Heath); her six grandchildren, David Holmes (Karen Santoyo), Caty Holmes, Kylie Holmes, Jacob Heath (Alexa), Zachary Heath (Amber), and Madison Heath; two great-granddaughters, Kennedy Heath, and Lyla Heath; her brother Don Ratliff (Mary Melnek) and sisters Julie Earls (Richard) and Glenda Gornall plus a host of nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents Clayton and Myrtle Ratliff, brothers Bob Ratliff and Jim Ratliff, sister Jean Heinemann and several nieces and nephews.