Margaret Ray Calkins Burris' Obituary
Margaret Ray Calkins Burris, was born May 21, 1930 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Raymond Rosse Calkins and Irene Frans Calkins; Margaret passed away December 7, 2017 in Dallas, where she lived most of her adult life. She was married to Jack Lee “Rusty” Burris, also a St. Joseph native, who died January 15, 2004 on their 50th wedding anniversary.Gramma is survived by daughters Barbara Brooks, husband Jim and Brenda Richardson, husband Larry; 9 grandchildren, James Brooks, wife Allison, Beth Brooks, Chris Brooks, Ryan Richardson, wife Amber, Mandy Sullins, husband Arron, Julie Shelton, husband Jonathon, Race Richardson, wife Jaclyn, Hannah Dean, husband Palmer; 15 great grandchildren, Gordy and Eloise Brooks, Noah and Jackson Brooks, Landon, Knox and Preslee Shelton, Abigail and Avery Sullins, Maris, Lyla and Luke Richardson, Quinn and Ryder Richardson, Graham Dean; brother Ray Calkins, wife Mata and son Rich, nephew, Bobby Burris, cousin, Jerry Reeves.Margaret and Rusty moved to Oklahoma City shortly after they married, where both daughters, Barbara and Brenda were born. In 1965, Rusty’s employer, Pearl Brewery, transferred the family to Dallas, where they bought the house in which Margaret still resided when she passed away. Margaret worked most of her life both in business and in community service. She dedicated 17 years to serving and interviewing clients at the North Dallas Shared Ministries, delivered Meals on Wheels with her daughter Barbara for 15 years and Margaret was one of the first volunteers with the SPCA in the early 80’s. Caring for dogs in need was one of her true loves. She passed that passion on to each member of her family. A self-described home body in her later years, Gramma was content spending her days with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.A celebration service will be held at the Park Cities Baptist Church, Ellis Chapel, 3933 Northwest Parkway, Saturday, December 16 at 11 am. There will be a reception following.If desired, the family requests that memorials be made to SPCA of Dallas, 2400 Lone Star Dr, Dallas 75212 and Midway Hills Christian Church, 11001 Midway Rd, Dallas 75229 where she was a long time member.Special thanks and appreciation to our friends Jackie, Josephina, Francis and Kelly who served Gramma with the utmost of love, friendship and care.Thanks be to God our Father for the precious gift of our Mom.
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