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Family of missing woman continues to hold out hope

Roze Burk, 68, was last seen two weeks ago at the Deer Park Co-op in Red Deer

The family of a 68-year-old Central Alberta woman who has been missing for nearly two weeks continues to hold out hope that she will be found.

 

Roze Burk was reported missing from a Red Deer County address on March 13th and was last seen by a family friend at the Deer Park Co-op in Red Deer at 8 p.m. on March 12th. Burk is described as a Caucasian female, about 5’6″ tall and 119 lbs. She has blue eyes (usually wears eye glasses) and white hair.

 

She was last seen wearing jeans, a pink shirt and a long-sleeved, grey jacket.

 

She is believed to be driving a 2008 Grey Ford Escape with Alberta license plate GCA 091. She is also believed to be travelling with her pet, a West Highland Terrier, named Jewel. Jewel has shaggy white hair.

 

“We’re trying to stay together as a team and work together to get her found. We’re each dealing with it in our own way but we are holding onto the hope that we have and just waiting,” said Tamara Burk, Roze’s daughter-in-law.

 

Since Roze’s disappearance the family has spearheaded two different searches and have covered areas north to Maskwacis (formerly known as Hobbema), east as far as Gadsby, south as far as Big Valley and west out to Rocky Mountain House.

 

Air searches have also been conducted by Search and Rescue.

 

“Both of the searches we have done we have had a lot of people come out and help,” said Tamara. “People have been helping from all over Alberta.”

 

Police have also indicated that Roze may have gone to Manitoba as she has family there, but Tamara said she believes that is unlikely as there has been no activity on Roze’s bank accounts. “As far as I’m aware they (police) have to say that because she has family there. But all of the tips that we have been getting have been from Alberta. We have received various tips but they’re from all over. People can’t guarantee it was her or her vehicle.”

 

This past weekend a second search was held by the family. Tamara said on Monday no other searches are planned. “We have decided to hold off on another search until we get a reliable tip because we have done pretty well all of Central Alberta. We are more than willing to do another search once we find a direction.”

 

Last week, Blackfalds RCMP renewed their request for public assistance in locating Roze.

 

“We, along with Roze’s family and friends, are very concerned for Roze’s safety,” said Staff Sgt. Ken Morrison, Blackfalds RCMP Detachment Commander. “The public can be our best resource when it comes to locating missing people. In this case, Roze really needs all of our help so we can find her and get her home safely.”

 

Though not diagnosed medically, Roze may possibly be suffering from dementia-related symptoms. “She was never diagnosed – I was in the midst of finding her a new family doctor after the one she had retired. But she would forget where she parked in parking lots, she would get days mixed up – she was getting forgetful,” said Tamara, adding those symptoms had been progressing for about two years.

 

Anyone with any information that may assist with locating Roze is asked to call Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3300 or their local police. Also check out ‘Missing – Roze Burk’ on facebook for updates.

 

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com