Elizabeth "Liz" Anne Burton Burns

Obituary: Elizabeth Anne Burton BurnsIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Burton Burns, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Elizabeth, known fondly as Liz by those who knew her, peacefully departed from this world on April 22, 2024 at the age of 92.

Elizabeth was born on October 18, 1931, in Lexington, KY, the daughter of Dr. Claude C. Burton and Martha Beyer Burton. She grew up in lovely military housing since her father was a career physician with the VA in Dayton, Ohio. Music and ballet were her early passions. On April 24, 1953, she married the love of her life, the late Robert (Bob) P. Burns, and together they shared sixty beautiful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Elizabeth was the epitome of selflessness and devotion, dedicating her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm, loving home. She offered guidance and support to her children throughout their lives. Her love knew no bounds, and her kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Everyone always commented about how she seemed to always be smiling and had an almost constant laugh. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Parker Burns, her brother, Philip B. Burton, and her sister Martha Eichelberger.

Liz is survived by her four children: daughter Debbie Cooper and her husband Jon, along with their three children; son R. Brad Burns and his wife Linda, and his four children; daughter Cindy Tourne' and her two children; and son Dale P. Burns. Elizabeth's legacy of love and kindness will live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all those whose lives she touched.

In addition to her family, Elizabeth will be deeply missed by her many friends and acquaintances, who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering positivity. Liz was a 70+ year member of P.E.O., a philanthropic education organization promoting the education of women by women.

Adult life:

Liz met Bob at The University of Wisconsin at a function for Christian Scientists and together they were lifelong members of the First Church of Christ Scientists in Boston, Massachusetts and several affiliated branch churches in the cities where they lived. After a short romance, they were married. They had their first child, Debbie, in Madison, Wisconsin. Bob soon joined the army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia where their son Brad was born. Soon after, they were transferred to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado where their love of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado began. After military discharge, Bob took a lifelong job as a geologist with Shell Oil Company and soon, Bob and Liz settled in Midland, Texas for 10 years. In those 10 years, they had their second daughter, Cindy and second son, Dale.

Bob was transferred with Shell Oil in 1967 to Littleton, Colorado. The three years in Colorado were wonderful years. Many camping trips within the western United States were taken and many National Parks were visited by the family. Liz was the master of camping dinners. After being transferred away from Colorado, with a brief two years back in Midland, Bob was transferred to New Orleans for offshore oil exploration. Liz took to Cajun style cooking extremely well and loved how Louisianans loved a dinner party. Everything about the culture and friendliness of Louisiana sat well with the family.After 20 years in Louisiana and after Bob's retirement from Shell, they moved away from Louisiana and back to Colorado, where they always felt a pull toward nature, Native American art, the Rockies and Colorado. Dad was a lifelong pianist and Liz was a lifelong vocalist mostly singing at church. Together they wrote and recorded songs about Colorado and the west. In a large motor home they traveled the west, but sometimes took trips back to the Midwest to rediscover their roots. Life was beautiful in Franktown, Colorado. The summers were always so beautiful, that they never wanted to travel away from home. Plus their love of vegetable gardening meant that they should stay home and tend. Life was good!

Though Elizabeth may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of God and of those who went before her.

As yet, a celebration of Elizabeth's life has not been scheduled.