Dorothy Burns

The world lost a genuinely beautiful soul with the unexpected passing of Dorothy Mae Burns on May 31, 2020, after a sudden illness. She was 89.

Dorothy was born on May 16, 1931, in Cashion to Joseph K. and Annabelle (Moore) Ruhl.

Dorothy attended Cashion schools where she was an avid basketball player and homecoming queen, graduating in 1949.

During high school, Dorothy met a young man from Dover who had recently returned from World War II, Phil Burns, who would become her loving husband. Phil and Dorothy married just after her graduation in June 1949.

This union would last over 70 years until Phil’s passing in December 2019.

They had two children, a son, Bob, and a daughter, Linda.

Dorothy’s heart was enormous and everything she did in life was done for others.

She never had an unkind word toward anyone and her smile could light up an entire room.

Someone once said to win the adoration of your family is a true sign of success in life and as her granddaughter Katie said, “We should all try to be a little more like Dorothy.”

She will truly be missed by family and friends alike.

Following her marriage, Dorothy was employed by the City of Kingfisher in the water department for several years before accepting a position as one of the original tellers at Kingfisher Bank and Trust (now BancFirst) when it opened in 1965.

She then returned to the City of Kingfisher as city clerk, a position she held for 42 years.

During her tenure as city clerk, Dorothy came to be known for her warmth, compassion, professionalism and work ethic.

After retiring from the city, Dorothy and Phil were fortunate enough to spend several years traveling around the U.S., enjoying trips to various destinations. But they both found their true calling later in life when they became grandparents and neither were happier than when they were spending time with their grandchildren.

Dorothy was an incredible cook and often shared her skills with her granddaughters.

She never missed a ball game, concert, play, Grandparents’ Day at school or just a chance to call and say a loving, encouraging word to her grandkids.

Besides spending time with her family, Dorothy enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens, which she did until the time of her death, cooking, and going out to eat with her special friends.

She was a member of the Kingfisher First Christian Church, the Kingfisher Rebekah Lodge No. 3 and a past member of the KEWAs (Kingfisher Elks Women’s Auxiliary.)

Dorothy is survived by one son, Bob Burns and wife Tiffany of Edmond; one daughter, Linda Soudek and husband J.E. of Kingfisher; grandchildren Shane Soudek and Joe Soudek III of Kingfisher, Katie Soudek of Waco, Texas, Rhayven Burns and Jessica Roberts and husband Justin of Edmond; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jake Ruhl and wife Barbara of Guthrie and Johnnie Ruhl of Kingfisher; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 70 years, Phil; one sister, Betty Frazier; and one brother, Gene Ruhl.

Services celebrating Dorothy’s life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Kingfisher First Christian Church under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingfisher First Christian Church, 102 S. 7th Street, Kingfisher, OK 73750.