Dorothy Mae Burns

The world lost a genuinely beautiful soul with the unexpected passing of Dorothy Mae Burns
on May 31, 2020 after a sudden illness. Dorothy was born on May 16, 1931, in Cashion, Oklahoma to
Joseph K. and Annabelle (Moore) Ruhl. She was 89.

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 of 1949. This union would last over 70 years until
Phil's passing in December of 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, Grandparent's 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 held Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Kingfisher
First Christian Church.

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