Velma Mae (Pat) Burns

Velma Mae (Pat) Burns, 88, was born Aug. 18, 1932,   to William and Mary Ellifrits in Kansas City, Kansas and passed from this world May 18, 2021.

Pat was very social, friendly and smiled all the time throughout her life. She loved her mother dearly but was truly a daddy’s girl. The Ellifrits family was close knit. They spent many hours playing games, especially pitch and wahoo. She always talked about what a great childhood she had. In October of 1954, Pat married the boy next door, Donald Oscar Morley. She was a loving wife and mother. Donnie died in a tragic accident after only six years of marriage. She dearly loved him; keeping him always in her heart and thoughts even in her last hours remembering him as it was his birthday.

Pat raised her children, David, Donna and Carolyn, in El Dorado Springs, while working as a beautician and later at the shoe factory. She worked hard to provide for her children and took them out to visit her parents on the farm at least twice a week. Her children will tell you it was a good life.

Pat married Charles Ray Burns on July 25, 1980. They enjoyed 30 years of camping, flying, going to casinos and bowling. Pat loved her hummingbirds, gardening and enjoyed their combined group of grandchildren. Pat was an artist with a crochet hook and made beautiful blankets and doll dresses. She was patient doing crafting with her grandchildren and enjoyed playing card games with them.

Pat was a devoted daughter as well. She enjoyed bowling with her father, brother and sister. Pat treasured spending time with her mother and took her on Thursday dates to get their hair done, shop and dine out. They usually stopped to visit Donna and her children afterwards.

In her later years, Pat clung to her resilient spirit, as her mindset was always “I can.” She broke her neck in March of 2011, but defied the odds, and maintained her independence, living in her own home the rest of her life with assistance from Donna and Jeroldine. When she wisely gave up driving, Jeroldine took Pat to get her hair done every week and they spent the afternoon playing cards. Pat always enjoyed company! She looked forward to David and Carolyn’s visits, especially when they took her to the penny slots. She loved to see her great-grandbabies and always flashed her big smile at them. Pat will be remembered for her example of determination, loyalty and love of family.

Pat is survived by her three children, David (Staci) Morley of Berthoud, CO, Donna (Benny) Brower of El Dorado Springs, and Carolyn Amos of Loveland, CO: grandchildren, Cassie Seals, Harold (Amber) Simmons, Heather (Chris) Jennings, Megan (Whit) Olson, Dane (Taylor) Brower, Brett (Leah) Morley, Whitney (Cory) Gayman, Abby (Nate) Chilton, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews: brothers and sisters in love, Jeroldine Ellifrits, Donald Wayne, and Barbara Burns, Terry and Linda Burns. Pat is also survived by her step-children and her step-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

Services were Saturday, May 22, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hackleman Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.