Barbara Jean (Sturdy) Burris, of Springfield, passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on February 10, 2018. Barbara was born in Kirkwood, MO on December 16th, a birthday she enjoyed sharing with Beethoven and Jane Austen. She was the daughter of Norman Grant and Mary Helen (Rollston) Sturdy. She married Dr. Stanley A. Burris on April 6, 1950 in Kirkwood, MO; he preceded her in death in June of 2007 after 57 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James “Buzz” and Stephen Sturdy; and son-in-law, Greg Guetzko.
Barbara graduated from Kirkwood High School and attended St. Louis University. Barbara and Stan moved from St. Louis to Springfield in 1959 to live “happily ever after.” Her husband, Stan, introduced her to his love of sailing and traveling. This adventurousness became a shared passion and important part of their family life. Barb also loved reading, Cardinals baseball, movies, circus history, the Fourth of July, reunions of any kind, and most of all-people.
Even as a young girl Barb was always generous, devoting her time and energy to helping others. She continued this tradition her entire life. She was a 59-year member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for 15 years, Vacation Bible School, and held various other leadership roles within the church. Barb served on numerous boards and until her death, was an active member of the Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance, King’s Daughters Organization, Book Review Club, HSHS St. John’s Samaritans, Springfield Garden Club and the Springfield Art Association. She was also a charter member of both the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Historical Society and the Carillion Bells, a 49-year member of P.E.O. (Chapter EO), and a member of the Illinois State Questors. Her favorite volunteer services involved children and included Girl Scouts, leading school tours of the Carillion, classroom Art Outreach (the “picture lady”), and the Grandparent Program at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, which she founded 30 years ago. For Barbara’s selfless and tireless dedication to her community, the YWCA honored her as Woman of the Year in 1986.
Barb was the ultimate hostess. She dearly loved opening wide the doors of her home at any time to family, friends, and guests from all over the world. Her love of life, fun stories, sense of humor, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. Everyone enjoyed basking in the glow of Barbara Burris.
She is survived by her daughters, Jan (James) Knuckey of Springfield, OH and Carol (the late Greg) Guetzko of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Dr. Robert (Lisa) Burris of Springfield; grandchildren, Kim, Amy, Chip, Ali, Grace, and Jane; great-grandchild, Elena; brother, Norman (Emily) Sturdy of Lewisville, NC; sister-in-law, Gwen (James) Pruyne of Bloomington, IL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends she considered family.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Central Baptist Church, Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Sabo officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Sturdy Cemetery in Kirkwood, MO.
Barbara graduated from Kirkwood High School and attended St. Louis University. Barbara and Stan moved from St. Louis to Springfield in 1959 to live “happily ever after.” Her husband, Stan, introduced her to his love of sailing and traveling. This adventurousness became a shared passion and important part of their family life. Barb also loved reading, Cardinals baseball, movies, circus history, the Fourth of July, reunions of any kind, and most of all-people.
Even as a young girl Barb was always generous, devoting her time and energy to helping others. She continued this tradition her entire life. She was a 59-year member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for 15 years, Vacation Bible School, and held various other leadership roles within the church. Barb served on numerous boards and until her death, was an active member of the Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance, King’s Daughters Organization, Book Review Club, HSHS St. John’s Samaritans, Springfield Garden Club and the Springfield Art Association. She was also a charter member of both the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Historical Society and the Carillion Bells, a 49-year member of P.E.O. (Chapter EO), and a member of the Illinois State Questors. Her favorite volunteer services involved children and included Girl Scouts, leading school tours of the Carillion, classroom Art Outreach (the “picture lady”), and the Grandparent Program at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, which she founded 30 years ago. For Barbara’s selfless and tireless dedication to her community, the YWCA honored her as Woman of the Year in 1986.
Barb was the ultimate hostess. She dearly loved opening wide the doors of her home at any time to family, friends, and guests from all over the world. Her love of life, fun stories, sense of humor, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. Everyone enjoyed basking in the glow of Barbara Burris.
She is survived by her daughters, Jan (James) Knuckey of Springfield, OH and Carol (the late Greg) Guetzko of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Dr. Robert (Lisa) Burris of Springfield; grandchildren, Kim, Amy, Chip, Ali, Grace, and Jane; great-grandchild, Elena; brother, Norman (Emily) Sturdy of Lewisville, NC; sister-in-law, Gwen (James) Pruyne of Bloomington, IL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends she considered family.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Central Baptist Church, Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Sabo officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Sturdy Cemetery in Kirkwood, MO.
Barbara Jean (Sturdy) Burris, of Springfield, passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on February 10, 2018. Barbara was born in Kirkwood, MO on December 16th, a birthday she enjoyed sharing with Beethoven and Jane Austen. She was the daughter of Norman Grant and Mary Helen (Rollston) Sturdy. She married Dr. Stanley A. Burris on April 6, 1950 in Kirkwood, MO; he preceded her in death in June of 2007 after 57 years of marriage. She is also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James “Buzz” and Stephen Sturdy; and son-in-law, Greg Guetzko.
Barbara graduated from Kirkwood High School and attended St. Louis University. Barbara and Stan moved from St. Louis to Springfield in 1959 to live “happily ever after.” Her husband, Stan, introduced her to his love of sailing and traveling. This adventurousness became a shared passion and important part of their family life. Barb also loved reading, Cardinals baseball, movies, circus history, the Fourth of July, reunions of any kind, and most of all-people.
Even as a young girl Barb was always generous, devoting her time and energy to helping others. She continued this tradition her entire life. She was a 59-year member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for 15 years, Vacation Bible School, and held various other leadership roles within the church. Barb served on numerous boards and until her death, was an active member of the Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance, King’s Daughters Organization, Book Review Club, HSHS St. John’s Samaritans, Springfield Garden Club and the Springfield Art Association. She was also a charter member of both the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Historical Society and the Carillion Bells, a 49-year member of P.E.O. (Chapter EO), and a member of the Illinois State Questors. Her favorite volunteer services involved children and included Girl Scouts, leading school tours of the Carillion, classroom Art Outreach (the “picture lady”), and the Grandparent Program at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, which she founded 30 years ago. For Barbara’s selfless and tireless dedication to her community, the YWCA honored her as Woman of the Year in 1986.
Barb was the ultimate hostess. She dearly loved opening wide the doors of her home at any time to family, friends, and guests from all over the world. Her love of life, fun stories, sense of humor, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. Everyone enjoyed basking in the glow of Barbara Burris.
She is survived by her daughters, Jan (James) Knuckey of Springfield, OH and Carol (the late Greg) Guetzko of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Dr. Robert (Lisa) Burris of Springfield; grandchildren, Kim, Amy, Chip, Ali, Grace, and Jane; great-grandchild, Elena; brother, Norman (Emily) Sturdy of Lewisville, NC; sister-in-law, Gwen (James) Pruyne of Bloomington, IL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends she considered family.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Central Baptist Church, Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Sabo officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Sturdy Cemetery in Kirkwood, MO.
Barbara graduated from Kirkwood High School and attended St. Louis University. Barbara and Stan moved from St. Louis to Springfield in 1959 to live “happily ever after.” Her husband, Stan, introduced her to his love of sailing and traveling. This adventurousness became a shared passion and important part of their family life. Barb also loved reading, Cardinals baseball, movies, circus history, the Fourth of July, reunions of any kind, and most of all-people.
Even as a young girl Barb was always generous, devoting her time and energy to helping others. She continued this tradition her entire life. She was a 59-year member of Central Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for 15 years, Vacation Bible School, and held various other leadership roles within the church. Barb served on numerous boards and until her death, was an active member of the Sangamon County Medical Society Alliance, King’s Daughters Organization, Book Review Club, HSHS St. John’s Samaritans, Springfield Garden Club and the Springfield Art Association. She was also a charter member of both the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair Historical Society and the Carillion Bells, a 49-year member of P.E.O. (Chapter EO), and a member of the Illinois State Questors. Her favorite volunteer services involved children and included Girl Scouts, leading school tours of the Carillion, classroom Art Outreach (the “picture lady”), and the Grandparent Program at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, which she founded 30 years ago. For Barbara’s selfless and tireless dedication to her community, the YWCA honored her as Woman of the Year in 1986.
Barb was the ultimate hostess. She dearly loved opening wide the doors of her home at any time to family, friends, and guests from all over the world. Her love of life, fun stories, sense of humor, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. Everyone enjoyed basking in the glow of Barbara Burris.
She is survived by her daughters, Jan (James) Knuckey of Springfield, OH and Carol (the late Greg) Guetzko of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Dr. Robert (Lisa) Burris of Springfield; grandchildren, Kim, Amy, Chip, Ali, Grace, and Jane; great-grandchild, Elena; brother, Norman (Emily) Sturdy of Lewisville, NC; sister-in-law, Gwen (James) Pruyne of Bloomington, IL; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends she considered family.
Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.
Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Central Baptist Church, Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Josh Sabo officiating.
Burial will be held at a later date at Sturdy Cemetery in Kirkwood, MO.
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