Kathleen A. Burris
August 10, 2021
Kathleen Annamarie Burris, age 64, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
Kathy was born December 4, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa to James and Carmen (Argumedo) Townsend. She worked at Merchants Bonding Company for 43 years as a Data Operator.
Family was Kathy’s first priority. She loved all of her family and her grandchildren were her world. She loved spending time with them and supporting them in all that they did. Kathy enjoyed riding her motorcycle and going on road trips. She liked gardening, exercising, cooking, baking, and dancing. She was a huge Elvis Presley fan. Kathy’s faith was very important to her and she was very active in her devotion and loved to pray.
She is survived by her husband of almost 45 years, Steven; children, Jennifer (Brian) Lyddon and Jeffrey James Burris; grandchildren, Alexis Lyddon, Gabriel Lyddon, Gino Burris and Gianna Burris; mother, Carmen (Terry) Townsend-Gooding; sister, Alice Townsend; nephew and Godson, Austin Moore; mother-in-law, Patricia Jones-Burris; brothers-in-law, Mark, Joe and Tim Burris; sister-in-law, Therese Burris; other loving relatives and many special friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father, James Townsend; brother, Jimmy Townsend; grandparents; father-in-law, Ronald Burris; and brothers-in-law, David and Paul Burris.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 4th, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Immediately following will be a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. There will be a private burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for those wishing to express sympathy to consider a donation made out to the family that will be divided among charities close to Kat’s heart.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Samantha Lewis
09/05/2021
Kathy was truly one of a kind. Her beautiful smile and warm heart will always be remembered. I will never forget when we went to Minnesota, Jeff and I forgot the kids suitcases at home, I felt terrible. Kathy grabbed my hands and said its okay Sammy, it just makes our vacation story better. That was the type of person she was, always lifting people up. She was so was wise and I will always remember the advice she gave me. A part of her will always be with us and her legacy will live on through her grandchildren, who I know were the most important to her. I love you Kathy ❤
Julie Fuller Fatino
09/04/2021
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories Many beautiful memories of you dear Kathy, my St. Anthony grade school friend and classmate.
May you rest easy in grace and love, Julie 🙏❤🙏
Adam Burris
09/04/2021
Aunt Kathy,
I love how you were always fun and filled with joy and laughter. You made people laugh and enjoy life. We miss you but we celebrate for you. I'll keep praying for you, until we meet again.
Cami Guidry Lougon
09/03/2021
Steve & Family, Keith and I would like to extend our sincerest condolences in the loss of sweet Kathy. I worked in the New Orleans office of Merchants Bonding where I was afforded the great opportunity and honor to meet Kathy. We had many, many telephone conversations and grew close; close enough that Kathy and Steve opened their home to us on a trip to Des Moines and the Iowa State Fair. She was without a doubt one of the most genuine people I have ever met. That enormous smile, fun hair and contagious laugh is unrivaled and I will never, ever forget the friendship that we shared. I know that she was strong in her Catholic faith and during my visit was able to share Mass and I was able to receive the Body of Christ from Kathy as she and Steve were Eucharistic Ministers at Mass. How awesome is that!?? I also know that she was very proud to be an American. During one of our many conversations she shared with me that when she was in grade school the class talked about each persons heritage. She mentioned that some kids shared that that were Irish, Polish, German, etc. She told me that as she sat there she remembered thinking, Im just an American!!! From that day forward I referred to her as My American Friend!!! As a matter of fact, when my husband and I built our home, she sent us a wrought iron patio table..the top was an American flag!!! That table remains on our patio to this day! I will forever remember Kathy and am so blessed to call her my friend!
Julie McGlynn-Evans
09/03/2021
My heart is broken to hear of Kathys passing. Kathy was one of the classiest, beautiful inside and out gorgeous lady I have ever met. I met Kathy and Steve at the Credit Union and I always enjoyed a good Kathy hug! I am so sorrythe world has lost a special lady! Thinking of you Steve and your family! God bless you! ❤
Betty Powell
08/30/2021
I remember her laugh. She had a great laugh. I remember playing softball with her going thru St Anthonys with her. She was a great first basewoman. We were the RoadRunners. Her dad would put us all in the back of that truck before safety & take us to get rootbeer floats after the game. I had sleepovers at the house on Dunham. She was so tall & I was so short. We laughed alot it was contanious. Her dad-her mom(so beautiful) her brother. I loved that family. We lost track as we got older. She married young and I would only see her one or two times again at a little league diamond. I think her Grandkids. Thats the great memories I have of Kathy Tounsend. You will miss her.
Terri &Jack (Bussanmas) Mishler
08/28/2021
Condolences and prayers for the family.
Renee S.
08/24/2021
My sincere condolences to Kathy's family. I hadn't seen her in several years. I met her at a local facility. We had so much fun. May she rest in paradise.
Renee and brother, Dino S. 🙏🙏
Karen ferin
08/22/2021
WHEN WE LOSE SOMEONE WE LOVE, WE MUST NOT LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT THEM, BUT TO LIVE WITH THE LOVE THEY LEFT BEHIND.....
Our love and prayers for you Steve and your family.
Marlys Larson
08/20/2021
Carmen,Steve,Jennifer,Jeff and families so sorry to hear about lovely Kathy's passing.She was such a sweetheart always had a smile and so friendly and will missed by so many.Thoughts go out to each of you.I was a receptionist for years at Northwest Medical Clinic.
Aug 19,2021
08/19/2021
Steve and family
I just heard of the loss of Kathy. She was such a great person & we enjoyed you both in the HOG group. I always admired her hair as always so pretty. Lloyd & Carol Reed
Francie Punelli Bishop
08/18/2021
Steve and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Kathy was in my class at St. Anthonys and Dowling. We crossed paths various times over the years. She was always so genuinely nice. And it was obvious that she loved her life. Wishing you peace and comfort as your hearts begin to heal. ❤
Margaret R
08/16/2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I was so grateful to meet her. She had a beautiful smile to give to everyone. She will be truly missed.
Theresa Aguiniga aka Sister T
08/15/2021
I met Kathy while working at Big Barn, and then being invited to join her and all the gals on the HOG rides. The first one we chatted more and found out we were distant cousins, we bonded instantly. Here big loving heart, her affectionate smile and everything abt her made you want to be her bestfriend, riding buddy sister, and I feel honored to have had her in my life. I have lots of great fun memeoreis with her. She is gonna be so missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you ..the family. Jenn I know she realy is your biggest and bestfriend I love you girl.. all of you my heart breaks for you I'm here anytime you need anything. Sending lots of hugs and love your way. Ride with the Angel's Beautiful Kathy. Until I see you again cuz.
Katie V.
08/14/2021
My heart cannot convey how sorry I am for the loss of your wonderful Kathy. Although I did not know her well I so admired her faith and presence. She walked tall and proud with an outstanding beautiful smile. She will make God's garden an even more beautiful place.
May God be closer to her family as they work through their heartbreaking loss.