Joyce Elaine Burris

Joyce Elaine Lickteig was born in Garnett, Kansas, to Alfred Lickteig and Albertine Peine Lickteig on January 23, 1945. She passed to her eternal reward on February 20, 2017, in her home in Greeley, Kansas, surrounded by her husband and children. Joyce married Buddy Ray Burris on September 18, 1965, in Greeley, Kansas. Joyce was raised on a farm outside of Greeley and spent most of her adult life in Greeley. She embraced small town life. Joyce worked for Taylor Forge Engineering Systems in Paola, Kansas, for thirty-three years. She often helped plan the annual Union Picnic in which her Money-in-the-Straw game was very well-received by the young people at the picnic. She enjoyed dressing in costume for this event. Joyce loved to laugh, not only at jokes but also at simple things she found amusing. Her amusement at the simple things would give other people great amusement as well. Whether it was watching Boots the cat hungrily watching the birds flying around the birdfeeders that were just barely out of the cat's reach (supposedly by coincidence), honking her car horn at hawks on fence posts, or telling people that her birthdate was 1-2-3-4-5, her merriment brought laughter to other people's lives. Joyce was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Greeley where she taught religion class, was an Extraordinary Minister, was active in the Altar Society, served on the Parish Council, and led the rosary before Mass. Joyce was very devoted to the rosary. She had a large collection of rosaries, and she gave all her children rosaries, many of which were made specifically at her request. In her final days, she found great comfort in praying the rosary with her children, even requesting specific mysteries be prayed at times. Joyce loved to sew and was recognized by all for her incredible talent. Among the many items she made were costumes, welding caps, both dress and casual clothes for her children, formal dresses, and quilts. All of her children have quilts made by their mother, and she has made quilts for the annual St. John's Bazaar for several years. Not only was Joyce a talented seamstress, she was also talented at all sorts of crafts. She looked forward to decorating her yard for different seasons and holidays, but took particular interest in decorating her home and yard for Christmas, and enjoyed allowing others to enjoy the fruits of her efforts. Joyce loved to garden, and many people admired her flower garden. After working a long day in the plant, she could often be found working in her garden. While her garden was filled with highly colorful flowers, she also cared for plants without bright blooms. When her first child was born, she was given a tiny philodendron plant. She took such great care of it that it has been in every home in which she lived after receiving it. She was always willing to give people a start from this or any other plant. Family was very important to Joyce, and she was a "go-to" genealogist for many. Not only did she have many notebooks as evidence of this, but she could be counted on to be able to recall from memory who was a person's sibling, parent, grandparent, cousin, or spouse at a moment's notice. Joyce helped raise seven children and could often be seen at their various school, summer, church, and scouting activities. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she rarely missed an opportunity to tell her children that she would like to have more grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Albertine, her sister Linda, her brother Gene, and her son-in-law John. She is survived by her husband Buddy, of the home; her children: Annette Husted of Greeley and son Thad of Paola; Tina Shaw and husband Mitch of Pleasanton, daughter Monique of Pittsburg, daughter Chantel and son Matthias of Pleasanton; Roni Burris of Independence; Jackie Burris of Neosho Rapids; Michelle Burris of Greeley; Dawnelle Shelley and husband Tyson, sons Isaac, Tyberius, Brandon, all of Pittsburg, and Triston of Olathe; Tony Burris of Greeley; eight brothers, two sisters, and their spouses; three brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and their spouses; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Her words are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at St. John's Catholic Church, Greeley, burial following in St. John's Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Friday evening at the church with visitation following at St. John's Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Parish School of Religion or St. John's Catholic Church. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .