Elnora A. Burggraf, 100, Lawrence, died Saturday, November 18, 2023. She was born August 11, 1923 in Cherokee County, Kansas to Maurice L. and Pearl Everett Boggess. Elnora was raised on a farm south of Hallowell, Kansas, where they raised wheat, oats, barley and corn. She attended Cherokee County Community High School and graduated May 1941. Elnora worked at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant during WW2, while the love of her life was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. She was united in marriage to Donald L. Burggraf, Nov. 14, 1941. He passed away Feb. 16, 2003. They lived in Parsons, Kansas and raised 4 children. In January 1959 the family of 6 moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Elnora was a stay at home wife and mother until the early 1960’s. She then worked at McCrory Otasco, Sunflower Ammunition Plant and retired from E & E Specialties. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Fritz; sons, Lonnie Burggraf (Kay), John Burggraf (Vickie), Donald Burggraf (Sheryl); 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 24, 2023 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home Home Chapel. There will be a visitation from 10:00 A.M. till service time also on Friday. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the VFW Auxiliary in Ottawa or to Meals on Wheels, care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Lonnie and Vickie and all family members – Peace to all of you .
May all the warm memories of her life make you smile and enjoy life daily. I’m sorry to have missed this notice as we were out of state visiting grandchildren and I just ran across this notice today. Again I;m sorry for your loss and pray for your peace and joy.
To Donald and family, may she rest in peace…I worked with your mother at Otasco many years ago. She was a very sweet lady… Mike Hadl…
I worked with her at e and e many years, a very nice sweet person
I am so sorry to hear this, but so thrilled to see that she made it to 100. I will always love Ellie. She was my “other mom” for seven years and in my heart that never changed. Love and hugs to the family.
I worked with Elnora at Sunflower Ammunition Plant in the Quality Control department. Elnora was a wonderful woman and workmate. All of us younger than her would go to her for advise. That has been 60 years ago and I still think of her often. My thoughts are with you the Burggraf family.
Ellie and Don made our country neighborhood into a family. Their love and kindness will always have a precious place in our hearts.
Elnora was definitely the most amazing woman I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I’m so thankful that she took the time to teach me a lot of different things throughout my life. The best thing grandma taught me was canning, especially how to can tomatoes. I will forever cherish our time together. I love you G-Ma and I’m gonna miss you but I will never forget you!
Ellie and Don were such good people. We appreciated their friendship.
Linda, hang on to those great memories of your Mom. She was definitely one of a kind and lived a great life. Sandy
Dick and I loved all the time we spent with Noran, Donald and all the family making the best memories.
Ellie’s friendship and love will never be forgotten. She and Don were neighbors made in heaven. Thank you Burggraf family for sharing them with us.