Betty Anne Starkey Burden

Betty Anne Starkey Burden, 88, of Pittsburg, passed away at 6:37 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the Cornerstone Village.
She was born near Maple City, Kansas to Thomas Morell and Julia A. Morrow Starkey. In her early years she moved with her family to the Atlanta, Kansas area. She attended a one room country school near her home. She graduated from Latham Kansas High School in 1938. She then attended Emporia State University. She taught in one room country schools in Cowley and Butler counties.
During WW II, she worked at Boeing Aircraft in Wichita during the early days of the Boeing B-29 Aircraft.
In September of 1942, she married James Esli Burden at Latham, Kansas. To this union, were born two daughters, Martha and Janet. They engaged in farming and ranching in the Latham, Kansas area until 1966, when they moved to southeast Kansas.
She worked as an assistant for the food service department of Pittsburg public schools till her retirement in 1985.
Membership was held in the College Heights United Methodist Church; Order of Eastern Star in El Dorado, where she served as a Past Matron; Treble Clef Music Club; and the 20th Century Choir. She and Jim began singing together before they were married.
Survivors include her husband, James Elsi Burden of the home; her daughter, Janet Holman of Prairie Village, KS; her brother, Tom Starkey of Emporia, KS; three grandchildren, Anne Virgee, Katie Holman, and Jeffrey Holman.
Two great-granddaughters, Emma and Sarah Virgee; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter, Martha Markwardt.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday (August 11) at the Brenner Mortuary with Rev. Ken Butts officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Brenner Mortuary, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Sunday. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Latham Cemetery in Latham, Kansas. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the College Heights United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may sign the register book and leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.