Kathleen Frances Burris

Kathleen Frances Chandler Burris

Kathleen Frances Burris, 91, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025. Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, “GG”, and loyal friend to many. She lived her life with integrity, strength, and courage while creating a warm and welcoming home for her family and friends.

Kathleen’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a safe, loving environment. Holiday gatherings were always eagerly anticipated by everyone because of Kathleen’s legendary homemade “Hello Dolly’s”, “Green Stuff”, “Hoppin’ John’s”, and her delicious fruit salad with fresh whipping cream.

Kathleen’s love for nurturing things was evident in her incredible backyard garden and her winter greenhouse (The Goose House) which she lovingly tended until she was unable to live at her home. She was famous for her giant geraniums, spectacular hibiscuses, and her beautiful bougainvillea’s.

Kathleen was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed crafting throughout her life. She used her abilities to enhance many lives. Once, Kathleen sewed curtains for her husband’s military barracks (the entire barracks!) in Germany because the soldiers needed curtains…they had none! The Army provided the “miles” of red target cloth to achieve this daunting task that took her weeks to accomplish. She also created many Christmas decorations for family members that are still enjoyed today!

Kathleen was most famous for being the “hummingbird lady”! She continuously had hummingbirds live in her backyard and feed from her hummingbird feeder every single year that she lived in her home. Kathleen once nurtured a hummingbird throughout the winter by helping it live inside her greenhouse because the little thing didn’t fly south for the winter before the first freeze. The hummingbird did survive and would fly directly in front of the sunroom window whenever Kathleen was sitting down having her coffee. Kathleen had quite a collection of hummingbird items because everyone knew how much she loved her precious “hummers”. She used to say that, “Little things can have such a huge impact in the world!”

On a final note, Kathleen never wanted to bother anyone because she was determined to always figure out solutions to any of her problems. She was a practical, no-nonsense lady that always tried to live a full life by supporting her family and friends in all of their endeavors. Kathleen would’ve ended this portion of her obituary by reminding everyone that “what will be will be”.

Kathleen F. Chandler graduated from Cabool High School in Cabool, MO. She married her high school sweetheart, Albert Roy Burris, on March 22, 1952. They embarked on a military marriage that took them to Japan, Germany, and several American cities before landing them in El Paso, TX. Roy retired from the Army and, then, worked and retired from Raytheon. He passed in 1996. Roy and Kathleen were married for 44 years and she was by his side for all of their adventures as they raised a family and became grandparents. Kathleen has been a resident of El Paso, Texas for 60 years. Kathleen worked in retail, as and education aid at Parkland High School, and as the computer clerk at Parkland Elementary School. She was active in the Northeast Community Meetings and always kept informed about local and world news.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Ruby Chandler, husband Roy, daughters Linda Burris and Cheryl Salles. She is survived by her son, Kevin and his wife, Mary.

Kathleen was very proud of her three grandchildren, Jennifer (Robert), Stephen (Amber), and Catherine (Chase). She was extremely excited to meet and have loving relationships with her six great grandchildren, Caitlyn, Rosie, Luke, Evan, Savannah, and Averie.

The Burris Family would like to thank The Legacy at Cimarron and the entire staff for the dignity and loving care everyone provided for Kathleen during her last days. The extraordinary support to the family and the incredible peaceful atmosphere created by The Legacy Family provided Kathleen with a gentle passing to meet our Lord.

Kathleen will be having a Christian Graveside Service at Ft. Bliss Cemetery on February 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Sunset Funeral Home (NE) on 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, TX 79904, (915) 755-4494 will be handling the arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation to support the conservation of wildlife and land.