Judith Gay Burford

Judith Gay Burford passed away Wednesday November 12th in the comfort of her home at the Lake of the Ozarks. She is Survived by her devoted husband of 34 years William Dean Burford, daughter, Sydney Van Gorp and husband David, Brother Frederick William Danke III and wife Nancy, four step-sons, William Dean Burford Jr. and wife Lisa, Bradley Keith Burford, Robert Lynn Burford, Brian Allen Burford and wife Penny, 10 adored grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Gay was the older of two, born May 29th 1944 to Scotch-Irish-German parents, Frederick William Danke Jr. and Anna Bell Boyd. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee and Prairie Village, Kansas she loved Elvis, despite her father’s disapproval and excelled in everything she tried with a perfectionism and class . She adored her younger brother and could find sheer happiness in their hour long chats. Her childhood and teenage years were filled with an abundant laughter and so many tales it could fill volumes of books. On June 27th, 1980 she was united in marriage to Bill Burford and throughout their journey shared many adventures. She especially loved their trips to Hawaii, Vegas and Arizona where they laughed, loved and explored. Her most cherished adventure was that of Mother. She opened her arms to Bill’s four sons and later they had a daughter of their own, who she so fiercely loved and cherished that no amount of time spent with her would have been enough. Gay unabashedly loved her family. She was nurturing and motherly with a strength and love that continues to inspire. She always said, “Everything will work out for the best,” she didn’t believe in dwelling on the bad, but living and relishing the good. She lit up a room with her smile and contagious laugh; well it was more like a cackle. To say she loved to read would be an understatement, her intelligence and smart wit couldn’t be denied. Gay created many lasting memories over the years at the Lake and found peace and joy feeling the sun on her skin, watching the hummingbirds, laughing with her family, beating them at Rummikub and sipping a cup of coffee. Mom, your selflessness and love never went unnoticed. Your light touched us all and will continue to burn bright because you truly were a gift to us all. Visitation: Monday November 17th, 11am at First United Methodist Church of North Kansas City, followed by a 12pm memorial service, concluding with laying Gay to rest at White Chapel Cemetery, Gladstone Missouri. Contributions may be made to The Potter's House Children Nursery and may be mailed to The Potter's House, PO Box 1143, Camdenton, Missouri, 65020. Mom, your strength and selflessness inspired many. You were a gift to us all. Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri is assisting the family with their arrangements.