Laura Burk

Laura Burk, 102, died October 13, 2020 at Brookside Retirement Community where she had resided for the past 7 years. She was born in Missouri to Carl (Fred) and Lillian Ward. She moved to Emporia at age 8 and attended Emporia schools. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emporia State Teachers college in 1938.

Laura was a homemaker and taught school at Lebo High School, Scranton grade school, and Santa Fe High School.  She retired in 1975.  She was a life-long member of the United Methodist church; attending first in Emporia and later in Scranton.  She was active in the church serving as treasurer of the Scranton UMC for seven years, and as a member of the United Methodist Women.   Laura also had been a member of the TOP study club, the Scranton Scramblers 4-H club as the local and county entomology leader, the Square Circle bridge club, and the pinochle card club.  She was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and the Corinthian Chapter #181 Order of Eastern Star in Burlingame.  She helped start the Scranton library and was librarian for several years.  As a lifelong KU Jayhawk and KC Royals fan, she never missed a game on tv or radio.

She married Harry Burk in 1940 and they resided in Scranton.  He preceded her in death in 1991.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia, in 1951.  She is survived by three sons:  Richard (Mary), Theodore (Christine), and Robert (Margaret).  She is also survived by five grandchildren:  Christopher, Heather, Laurel, Rosemary, and Adelle; five great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Services will be at a later date at Cross Road Community Church in Scranton.  Memorial contributions can be made to KTWU public television in Topeka.