Louise Burlingham

Louise M. Burlingham, age 79 of Ottawa, Kansas, died Friday, August 14, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She was born on Tuesday, September 3, 1929 in Ashland, KS. She was the daughter of George Richard and Mary Mae (Finley) Reed. Louise has been a resident of Ottawa since 1950 where she worked alongside her husband as they built a home for their children on the 20 acre farm. She grew up in the Sitka and Ashland, Kansas communities. Louise met her husband, Charles while attending college at Winfield, Kansas; they later moved to Russell. Due to health reasons she has resided at Richmond Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Richmond, Kansas since December 2008. Louise attended elementary school in Sitka and graduated CumLaud from Ashland High School with the class of 1947. She attended three semesters at Southwestern College at Winfield where she studied music. Louise was a homemaker. For 26 years she was a sales clerk for The China Hutch in Ottawa, Kansas, assisting many brides with their wedding plans. She retired December 31, 1997. Her joy was her family and serving her precious Savior. She became a Christian at age 19 and joined the Free Methodist Church of Ottawa, where she was a trustee and state delegate of the Great Plains Conference of the Free Methodist Church of North America. When the Free Methodist Church closed, Louise transferred her membership to the Ottawa Church of the Nazarene, where she also served as a deacon and state delegate. She assisted with Christian education and worship music programs at the church. For many years she was a 4-H leader and a member of the Just A Mere Club, a community fellowship group. Louise volunteered her time helping children with music and reading at the Hawkins Rural School and Lincoln Elementary. For several years she assisted with the Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Ottawa High School. Louise cherished music, often playing the organ, piano and singing at many local weddings and funerals. On February 27, 1949, Louise was united in marriage with Charles Edwin Burlingham at Ashland, Kansas. He survives of their home. They shared sixty years of marriage together. Survivors include: Her husband Charles Burlingham of Ottawa Daughter- Connie Elder and her husband Randy, Tulsa, OK Son- Dave Burlingham and his wife Pam, Gate, OK Daughter- Carol Roberts and her husband Robin, Englewood, KS Daughter- Julie Wellington and her husband Jim, Wellington, KS Son- Tim Burlingham, Englewood, KS Daughter- Janie Dunn and her husband, Richard, Ottawa, KS Brother -George Reed and his wife Ann, Diana, TX Brother -Frank Reed and his wife Peggy, Ashland, KS Sister - Helen Freer and her husband Bob, Colorado Springs, CO Sister - Cherry Love, Colorado Springs, CO Grandchildren: Jason Elder; Ryan Elder and his wife Tiffiny; Kale, Brett, C.J. and John Burlingham; Carrie Roberts; Jennifer and Nick Wellington; David, Nathan, Alisha, and Rachel Dunn; a great grandson, Dylan Elder; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary, 2:00p.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2009. IN STATE: Mrs. Burlingham will lie in state at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00p.m. Monday, to the service hour where the family will meet with friends from 6 to 7 Monday evening. CEMETERY: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to the Ottawa Senior Center c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.