Beatrice Burns

Beatrice "Betty" Jean Burns died Thursday, January 13, 2005 at McCook Community Hospital. She was 82 years old.

Betty was born on January 8, 1923, at Waterloo, Iowa to James R. and Marguerite (Anderson) McMullen. She graduated from St. Mary High School in Waterloo and attended Loretta Heights College in Denver, Colorado.

On November 6, 1941, she married Thomas Burns at Holy Family Catholic Church in Denver. They lived in Denver for 10 years where Thomas was an engineer for the railroad. To this union four children were born. In 1953, they moved to McCook where Thomas continued his employment with the railroad and Betty was a busy homemaker.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Altar Society. Other memberships included Eagles Auxiliary, serving as president for three years. She loved helping others, exercising, fishing, dancing and singing. She also enjoyed walking, Jazzersize and Strength Training at the Senior Center. She participated in swim therapy at the YMCA for 18 years having three best attendance awards. Her main enjoyment of life came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, James McMullen and Marguerite McMullen (Moyer); one granddaughter, Brenda Hamrick; sister, Peggy Heidt; and nephew Daniel Heidt.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Thomas Burns of McCook; three sons, Joseph Burns and special friend Loretta Minard, Patrick Burns, Robert Burns and wife, Geri, all of McCook; one daughter, Cheryl and husband Joseph Hamrick, of McCook; nephew, Michael Heidt of Marshville, GA and niece Patricia Scoles of Bennettsville, SC; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be given in her name to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Rosary was Sunday, January 16, 2005, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was be Monday, January 17, 2005, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour officiating. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery.