Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Francis (Draze) Burk

Betty married the love or her life, Charles (Charley) Garret Burk of Estancia, N.M., on May 16, 1975. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Farmington, N.M., where Betty said she learned some of life’s most valuable lessons. She developed a love for the Southwest culture, a deep respect for the women who took her in as their own, and learned how to cook southwest food.

On July 13, 1976, Betty and Charley were blessed with their first son, Samual (Sam) Charles Burk in Durango, Colo. After many years of struggling to grow their family, Betty and Charley were graced with their second son, Jacob David Burk on March 19, 1994, in Grand Junction, Colo. Their third and youngest son, Lucas Garret Burk was born a year and a half later, on October 2, 1995, also in Grand Junction, Colo.

In 2001, after a troubling end to 26 years in the agricultural and construction industries, Betty and Charley moved with their two youngest sons to Spalding, Mich., to build a better life for themselves after losing their farm in Loma, Colo. Betty became an active member of the Powers-Spalding community and started her successful freight brokering business. The business she operated until the day of her passing.

A few years later, Betty rejoined the Scouting family along with her two younger sons. She was beloved for her endless cheerful service and commitment to the Scouting community as a cook, mentor, and leader. As a cherished member of the Order of the Arrow, Betty was bestowed the Vigil Honor in 2014 for her devotion to exceptional cheerful service to others.

Betty has always been a devoted member of every church she and Charley have belonged to. Her faith and love for Jesus Christ was always a hallmark to her life-mission. She truly shined with her most recent church, the Carney Evangelical Free Church. Betty was a beloved member known for her joyful giving of food service and a champion for women in the church.

To all who have known her, Betty was the friend they never had, the mother they never had, and the teacher they always needed. She was amongst the most giving person that most people will ever know, giving freely of herself, her time, and her love. Betty was best known for her ability to raise spirits through food. There is no one who spent any time in her presence that would not have been affected by her outgoing nature and internally driven desire to help in any capacity she was capable of.

On July 23, 2022, Betty was overjoyed to welcome Elizabeth Marie McClain as a loved daughter-in-law, married to Jacob. Six months later, on January 14, 2023, Betty welcomed Dr. Sara Marie Popp as the family’s first doctor and loving wife to Sam.

A memorial to honor Betty’s life will be held on May 4, 2024, at Carney Evangelical Free Church. All friends and family are welcome to celebrate the joy Betty bestowed upon everyone she encountered. Gathering starting at 9 a.m. with service held at 11 a.m. and luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers charitable donations be directed to the Carney Evangelical Free Church in Betty’s name.

The Allo Coolman Funeral Home is assisting the Burk family.

Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.