Lennie Burns Obituary

Lennie Nell Burns, 93, of Fountain, Colorado died at Sunny Vista Living Center in Colorado Springs on December 2. "Nell" was born May 17, 1923 in Perrin, Texas to Luther and Mattie Ramsey. When she was a teenager her family moved to Logan, New Mexico where she graduated from high school. She met her future husband, William "Bill" H. Burns, at a Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys dance and they were married on May 16, 1943. They continued to enjoyed country music and "cut a rug" dancing throughout their marriage. Nell and Bill were married 64 years prior to Bill's passing on August 8, 2007. Nell longed to be reunited with Bill, who she has mourned for these last 9 years. She died on his birthday. During their marriage Bill and Nell loved traveling, camping, and fishing and time with family. Nell was an exceptional cook, gifted gardener and was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Nell was predeceased by brothers Mancel, Benny James, Ollie, and Neal and by her sister and best friend Ireta Davis.

Nell is survived by three children, Harry (Fran) Burns of Greeley, Colorado, Gay Victoria of Colorado Springs, and Gary (Kathy) Burns of Idaho Springs. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Mya Walker, Jonathan Francis, Kyle Burns, Carrie Burns, Jared Francis, Troy Burns, and Kellin Burns, as well as three great grandchildren, Lilly Walker, Wylie Francis and Lucy Francis who she cherished. Wylie lovingly christened Nell "Grandma Bonka" when he was less than a year old and it was a name she was proud to be called.



A private family burial will be followed by a reception at the Sunny Vista Chapel for family and for Nell's friends and caregivers from Sunny Vista Living Center. The family would like to thank the staff of Sunny Vista for the loving care they provided Nell during her stay there. Sunny Vista began as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1911 and was originally known as Sunnyrest Sanatorium. Marjorie Palmer Watt, the daughter of Colorado Springs founder General William Palmer, created an endowment that is still in place today. After World War II, when tuberculosis was no longer a great threat, Sunnyrest became a nursing home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sunny Vista at http://smile.amazon.com/ch84-0438016.