Burretta M. Redhead

Burretta M. Redhead, passed away February 12, 2006 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Following her wishes, her body was cremated.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by clicking the "Sign Guest Book" tab.

In "Celebration of a Life Well Lived", a memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 27, 2006 at the Presbyterian Church in Bentonsport, Iowa. A reception will follow on the lawn.

Burretta M. Redhead was born October 31, 1922 in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Clayton B. and Sarah (Heathcoat) Goodman.

Burretta married Herbert Kelland "Kell" Redhead on September 2, 1944 in Des Moines, IA. Kelland is the direct descendent and oldest living of the Iowa pioneer Redhead family that lived on Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA. They are the parents of two daughters: Kell Ann and Sally.

Burretta and Kell owned and operated the Mason House Inn in Bentonsport, Iowa for thirty-three years. They also owned an Antique Shop, General Store, Cross Country Ski Shop and a Fudge Shop. Burretta devoted herself diligently in Bentonsport's restoration and preservation. Her efforts were the catalyst for the Van Buren County Historical Society and creating Bentonsport as a National Historic District and tourist attraction.

Buretta was a fine art's appraiser and antique dealer as well as an accomplished china and portrait artist. Many articles about the couple were written and covered by 1400 syndicated newspapers, McCalls Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens Magazine, National Geographic Magazine, Best Little Inns in America, Treasures of America, Bed & Breakfast USA, Readers Digest, and Mobile Four Stars Travelers Guide.

She was an avid historian. Des Moines and Bentonsport history & memorabilia was her expertise. Burretta's rare document and book collection contained one of the original Book of Mormon, Civil War diaries-letters-photographs, one of only two original Alexander Gardner album photographs of Abraham Lincoln, taken four days before he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, a collection on Slavery, and an Indian Collection with emphasis on Chief Black Hawk and the War of 1832.

Her parents, and one sister, Mary Bishop, predeceased her.

Burretta is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Kell, and her daughters and their families: Kell Ann Redhead and Richard Aicher of Keokuk, Iowa and Sally and Michael Ross of Camdenton, Missouri. Burretta was grandmother to Kiersten Ann Katherine Soule, Mikel Todd Ross, Sarah Lindsay Ross, and two step-grandchildren: Kimberly Althide and Lindsay Aicher. Burretta was great-grandmother to Kaden J. Althide. Survivors include one sister, Deloris and her husband Harold Poffenberger of Des Moines, Iowa.

She often said, " I wouldn't change anything about my life. It was fascinating! I wish I could do it all again!"

The family wishes memorials, in lieu of flowers, to be made to the Bentonsport Improvement Association.

Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
Herbert K. Redhead
23696 Rte. J40
Keosauqua, IA 52565

Online condolences may be sent via:
www.behnerfh.com.

Behner Funeral Home & Crematory in Fairfield is in care of the arrangements.