Patricia K. Burrus

Patricia Kay Burrus was born in Galesburg, Illinois to Nelson Wayne and Lillian Helen (Horn) Burrus on July 26, 1950. Older sister Cheryl Ann awaited her arrival. Together they skated the sidewalks, built snow forts, and attended elementary school in Knoxville, Illinois. The family moved to Indian Hills, Colorado in 1962, and Patty graduated from nearby Evergreen High School in 1968. She attended Barnes Business College in Denver CO following graduation, but her true passion lay in nursing . Despite suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis, she obtained her nursing license and worked as a nurse until she retired. Her favorite area of nursing was hospice nursing, where she felt it was a privilege to be with her patients at the end of their earthly journeys, and she did her very best to help make them feel comfortable, loved and cared for up until the very end.

Even in retirement, Patty’s generous and resilient spirit continued to shine as she selflessly strived to serve those in need. Patty had a true servants heart, always searching for solutions to make other people’s life easier. Even as her body would fail her, and she bravely battled through chronic pain and even vision loss, she never allowed that pain or any physical challenge to diminish her zest for life. She had an unwavering faith in God, and despite all the physical challenges she faced, she remained determined to fulfill her earthly duties before joining her heavenly home. Her children always joked with her that they knew that whatever gift they gave her, it would soon have a new home, because she would always find someone whom she felt “needed it more than she did”.

In addition to her dedication to caregiving, Patty was also known for her infectious humor, directness and profound love for her children and grandchildren. Her quick wit and straightforwardness brought laughter and clarity to every interaction, while her boundless affection for her family illuminated her life with joy and purpose. Her love for her family knew no bounds, and her legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of those that she cherished most dearly. In her final moments, Patty reflected on her life with gratitude, and stated that her life is fulfilled with God and her family. She embraced the transition to her heavenly reward, fully knowing that she had fulfilled her life’s purpose.

Patty passed away on February 3, 2024, with her daughter by her side. She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by sister Cheryl Ann (Burrus) Miller; children Shane Lee (Connie) Hansen (1971), Shaundra Kay (Roy) Lantzy (1976), and Shaunen John (Christina) Hansen (1979); grandchildren Tim (Kerrey) Tisher, Taylor Lantzy, Samantha (Travis) Jones, Alexa (Jon) Morgan, Riley Lantzy, Allana Lantzy, Kaylynn Hansen, and Lillian Hansen; and great-grandchildren Jackson, Weston, Leah, and two more great grandbabies on the way.

A celebration of Patty’s life will be held at 2:00 on February 19, 2024 at Wiederspahn in Cheyenne, Wyoming. At a future date, Patty’s ashes will be buried near Herrick, Illinois from which her family tree had grown. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Patty’s care for those less fortunate by donating to Loaves and Fishes; 250 Justice Center Road; Canon City, CO 81212.