Kathleen Marie Burket (Ness), 65, of Greeley, died September 3, 2013, in her home. She was born September 9, 1947 in Dayton, OH to Col. Patrick James and Olivia Marie (De Luco) Ness. Kathy spent her young childhood moving to many locations where her father was stationed in the air force living in France, Italy, and several states before settling in Lincoln, NE for her high school years. It was there that she met her husband. Graduating from Lincoln High Kathy then went on to college at the University of Nebraska obtaining a B.A. in Psychology and Social work in 1969 and Masters of Science in Counseling and Guidance/Agency in 1976.
Charles Randolph Burket and Kathleen married September 13, 1969 in Lincoln. Kathy worked as a vocational counselor at the Nebraska Job service during her schooling while Charlie attended medical school. After finishing his residency Charlie and Kathy moved to Greeley, CO.
Kathy‘s heart and soul was her family. She was an extremely dedicated and excellent mother, wife, daughter, and in-law. She kept a beautiful home and was always extremely warm and welcoming. After raising her children through their formative years Kathy went back to school to obtain her post-baccalaureate Teachers Certification. She then was a substitute teacher for district 6 before becoming a literacy teacher at Dos Rios Elementary for several years. During her time in Greeley she also worked at Monfort’s Children’s Clinic as the volunteer coordinator as well as volunteering her own time for several organizations. These include being the President of the Weld County Medical Society Auxiliary, coordinating the Greeley Independence Stampede Parade, leading both Brownie and Cub Scout groups, and being a strong presence in her children’s educations as both a junior great books leader and as a room parent. Kathy was also the primary care for her aging mother and in-laws as well as spending lots of time caring for her grandchildren. She showered them all with love and dedication.
Throughout her life Kathy enjoyed many hobbies including snow and water skiing, camping, tending to her garden, shopping, playing bridge with her bridge group, dancing, and spending time with her friends. She always had a positive comment or warm smile to brighten someone’s day.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Charles Burket, of Greeley; children, Meredith (Jordan) Fritts, of Fort Collins, CO, and Nicholas Burket, of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Olivia and Norah Fritts, of Fort Collins, CO; brothers, Patrick Ness, of St. Petersburg, FL, and Phillip (Jolene) Ness, of Houston, TX; mother-in-law Joyce Burket, of Greeley, CO; brother-in-law Philip (Stephanie) Burket, of Bastrop, TX; as well as a niece, three nephews, and a half-brother and half-sister.
She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Greeley Country Club on September 10, 2013 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Kathy to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.13.0