Betty June Sundquist Burns

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Betty June Sundquist Burns, 79, passed away on December 15, 2009, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, after a long battle with sarcoidosis and a brief hospital stay. Betty was born June 10, 1930, in Lisbon, North Dakota to Edward P. Sonny Sundquist and Hazel Laura Loomis Sundquist. Betty moved with her family to Kelso, Washington, in 1941, where she attended Kelso public schools and graduated from Kelso High School in 1948. After living in Castle Rock, Washington, for over 50 years, Betty and her husband, Byron, moved to Richland, and then to Pasco, Washington, about eleven years ago.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Byron W. Burns; her son Byron Burns, Jr. Janice of Henderson, Nevada; and her daughter Cody Spanner Gary of Richland. Her surviving grandchildren, whom she adored, are Andrew and Aaron Burns of Las Vegas, and Griffan Spanner of Richland. Betty is also survived by her brother, Don Sundquist and wife Jackie of Monroe, Louisiana; and sisters Shirley Pierce of Corona, California, and Sandy Smith and husband Dale of Longview, Washington; and many beloved and numerous nephews and nieces. Betty was preceded in death by two brothers, RuSearle Sundquist of Lisbon, North Dakota and Ed Sundquist of Castle Rock, Washington; four sisters, Geraldine Sister Bock of Lisbon, Beryl Brunton, Bobbie Faldick, and Phyllis Mumpower, all of Las Vegas, Nevada.

While in Castle Rock, Betty was an active leader at St. Paul Lutheran Church, and a dear friend of Pastor Bob Ross and his wife Polly. Betty’s proudest accomplishment at St. Paul’s was that she conceptualized and started a program called Kids’ Clothes Closet. This program provided new shoes, clothing, and personal care products to all of the schools in the area to help children in need. To raise funding for the program, she revitalized and led the congregation's annual bazaar, and served as its chair for many years. Also at St. Paul’s, Betty served on the church council, served as president of the council, sang in the choir, provided leadership and support for the intern ministry, worshipped regularly, and served as a vital member of the congregation. The church considers her many years of commitment and involvement to be a gift.

Betty will always be remembered as an excellent homemaker, loving mother, wife, grandmother, and chef. Her skills in the kitchen were first-rate, particularly her pies, pastries, and desserts. And, that nasal laugh of hers will not be forgotten. Since moving to the Tri-Cities, Betty was an active member of her bridge club, earning the high score the week before she went into the hospital.

In remembrance and celebration of Betty’s life, an open house will be held at Betty and Byron’s home, 113 Bellerive Lane Sun Willows, Pasco, Tuesday, December 22, 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. Memorial contributions can be made to Kids Clothes Closet in care of: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 312 First Avenue, Box 847, Castle Rock, WA, 98611