Grace Sanford Burns

Grace Sanford Burns, 93 formerly of Franklin, died on October 22, 2012 in Lenexa, Kansas following a prolonged illness.

Born in Franklin on November 9, 1918 as a daughter to the late Herbert O. and Elizabeth E. Sanford (Hodgson) she excelled in academics and playing violin in orchestra. She attended local schools graduating from Franklin High School in 1935. From there she went on to receive her bachelor?s degree from Indiana State Teachers? College in 1940.

She was married on July 17, 1943 to James Robert Burns, Jr. who preceded her in death on November 13, 1993 after 50 years of marriage. She was a 50-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin where she served as a former elder and on the Board of Deacons.

As a school teacher of business subjects for over 38 years, she taught at Rocky Grove High School for three years before transferring to Franklin High School where she was recognized for her outstanding ability to teach and mold students skills for typing and shorthand. She retired in 1981. A scholarship is given in her name to the outstanding student in business subjects at the Franklin High School each year.

Mrs. Burns was an avid bridge player. She particularly enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family with her husband. Together they would enjoy their winter months in Florida. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in 1965. She was a member of the Past Matrons Club and served many years as a Mother Advisor of Rainbow Girls. Mrs. Burns moved to Lenexa, Kansas in January, 2000.

Surviving are a son, Colonel (Ret) James R. Burns III and his wife Marie of Overland Park, Kansas, two grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Stankiewicz of Olathe, Kansas and Chief Warrant Officer Two Michael Jason Burns of Fort Riley, Kansas; and four great grandchildren ? Anna and Michael Stankiewicz of Olathe, Kansas and Camden and Alexis Burns of Tampa, Florida. Also surviving is a nephew H. Buzby Kline of Franklin.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burns was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Messer in 1996.

On November 7th a celebration of her life will be held at the Huff Funeral Home & Cremations Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin from 2- 4 p.m. and 6- 8 p.m. On that evening a memorial service will be conducted at 6 PM by Morris Chapter #14 of the Order of the Eastern Star. And, on November 8th, a funeral service officiated by Reverend Barry Jenkins of the First Presbyterian Church will be held at 10 AM with internment immediately following at the Franklin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grace S. Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 W. Park, Franklin, PA 16323

Her family may be reached at jburns@everestkc.net