Elizabeth Ann (Ragan) Burr

Elizabeth Ann Ragan was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on May 6, 1949 to Seth D. and Vonna Ragan. Seth was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, which led to a nomadic family life. The eldest of five children, Liz's formative years were spent moving from one military posting to the next, attending 13 elementary and middle schools - including 4 different schools in the seventh grade. She would often tell friends and family, "I went to 13 elementary schools and after that I never wanted to move again." An assignment to Dyess Air Force Base near Abilene, Texas, gave the family stability and allowed Liz to attend all four years of high school in Merkel, Texas. She participated in many school activities, including the band where she was the 1st chair trombonist. She graduated as the Merkel High School Valedictorian of 1967. Many of Liz's summers were spent with grandparents in Stratton, Nebraska, an area that came to feel more like home than any other place she had lived. The summer following high school graduation and before departing for York College, Liz met Terry Burr at church camp, sparking a lifelong romance. The couple married in McCook, Nebraska, on August 23, 1969 when Liz was 20 years old. Upon marrying Terry, a lifelong resident of tiny Bird City, Kansas, she was sure her days of moving around were over. Life, however, had other plans, as she and Terry lived in several communities in Nebraska and Kansas before finally settling in the Wichita-area in 1986. Liz and Terry welcomed a son, Ryan, in 1973 followed by a daughter, Amy, in 1978. After a decades-long break while raising their small children, Liz resumed collegiate education in her mid-thirties. She completed her accounting degree, passed the CPA exam and celebrated her 40th birthday all in May of 1989. Liz spent several years in public accounting and finished her professional career as a manager in the human resources department of Koch Industries. While her own athletic adventures were limited, Liz became an avid supporter of any activity that involved her kids and grandkids. She was a fixture at little league and high school games, plays and other activities. This enthusiasm extended to her undying love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. During her retirement, she filled her days with house projects, and delighted in planting flowers to create a joyful haven in the backyard of the house she and Terry shared, where she lived longer than any other place in her life. She also had a great passion for travel, especially "Sisters' Trips" taken with Connie, Debbie and Linda over the years. Liz was an active member of the RiverWalk Church of Christ, teaching preschool, hosting numerous congregational members at her home and assisting with various administrative duties, including accounting. She was an integral part of Carpenter Place in a variety of roles, including acting as President of the Board. In January 2019, Liz was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her last three years were spent fighting the disease while loving her family with a vibrant, generous and joyful spirit. She passed on March 11, 2022. Preceding Liz in death are parents, Seth and Vonna Ragan; grandparents, Clement and Lucille Ragan, Frank and Lola Hardy. Liz is survived by her husband of 52 years, Terry Burr; son, Ryan and his wife, Lisa; daughter, Amy Packer and her husband, Nate. Precious grandchildren include, Brandon, Catie, Dylan, Ethan Burr, and Everett and Holden Packer. Surviving siblings are Larry Ragan, Connie Renfro, Deborah League, Linda Schinnerer and their spouses, as well as a loving family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm; Memorial Service will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 19, 2022, both at Riverwalk Church of Christ, 225 N. Waco St., Wichita, KS 67202. A memorial has been established with Carpenter Place, 1501 N. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67203. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.