Esther Burns

Esther M. Burns, 95, long time Milbank resident and wife of former telephone man, Merriell "Red" Burns, joined her husband on their 73rd wedding anniversary when she entered into rest on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at her home in Bullhead City, AZ.

Esther was born at home to Olaf and Mary (Anderson) Gustafson on August 3, 1919. She was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Bristol, South Dakota, graduated from Bristol High School in 1936, and married at home to Merriell W. Burns on September 7, 1941.

Following their marriage, they resided in Webster, Watertown and Edgemont, SD and moved to Milbank, SD in 1946 where they spent the next 47 years. Her husband "Red" worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and Esther stayed at home to raise their three children and keep the "home fires burning". The relatives and children's friends will always remember going to "The Burns'" where there was always something good to eat and music playing on the radio.

In 1993 they moved to Boise, ID to be closer to their daughter, Betty Lou. Merriell died very suddenly a year later. Esther moved to Cascade, ID to enjoy the mountains with her daughter and family. In 2005 Esther and Betty Lou moved to Bullhead City, AZ where they shared a home until her passing. Her daughter was at her side as she left this world.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four brothers, three sisters, two sons-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Left to mourn her loss but grateful for the many years they shared together are her sons and daughters-in-law, Roger (Deborah) of Bloomington, IL, Robert (Patricia) of Ocala, FL, and daughter Betty Lou Lisell of Bullhead City, AZ; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one brother-in-law; one sister-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 am when she will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Milbank Cemetery.