Laura Burk
Died – Oct. 13, 2020
OVERBROOK — Laura Burk died Oct. 13, 2020, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, where she had resided for the past seven years. She was 102.
She was born in Missouri, the daughter of Carl (Fred) and Lillian Ward. She moved to Emporia at age eight 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 Attendance Center and Santa Fe Trail High School. She retired in 1975.
She was a life-long member of 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, Scranton Scramblers 4-H Club, as the local and county entomology leader, Square Circle Bridge Club and Pinochle Card Club. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and 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 television or radio.
She married Harry Burk in 1940 and they resided in Scranton. He preceded her in death in 1991.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia, in 1951.
Laura is survived by three sons, Richard (Mary), Theodore (Christine) and Robert (Margaret); 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.
