1935-2025
Bettie Jean (Sinclair) Burns, 90, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully January 3, 2026, at Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 30, 1935, in rural Hodgeman County, the eldest daughter of Francis and Elma (Ehrlich) Sinclair.
Bettie graduated from Larned High School in 1954. On September 4, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Lester D. Burns Jr. Their devoted partnership spanned nearly 67 years, until his passing in 2022.
Bettie dedicated much of her life to caring for her family. While her children were young, she was a homemaker. Later, Bettie worked as a bookkeeper for Lester Burns Construction and Osco Drug until its permanent closure in 2005. She was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, where her kindness and servant’s heart touched many lives.
Bettie found joy in helping others and giving back to her community. She volunteered with Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and the Delos V. Smith Sr. Center, where she also taught computer classes. Bettie took great pride in hand-crafting birthday and holiday cards for those she loved. Her passions included traveling, painting, working with stained glass, cooking with her grandchildren, attending car shows alongside her husband, and—above all—spending cherished time with her family.
Bettie is survived by: her daughters, Cheryl (Scott) Sykes and Carol Harvey; sons, Todd (Kimberly) Burns and Raymond (Katrina) Burns; brother, Leonard Sinclair; sister, Dorothy Ziesch; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Lester; parents; and brother, Roy Sinclair.
A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave., Hutchinson. The family will receive friends before the service.
Cremation has taken place. Private family inurnment will be in Larned Cemetery at later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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