Ethel Louise Connely

Ethel Louise (Burkett) Connely. 95 of Parsons, passed away at 3:40 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 at Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul.

She was born in Ft. Scott, Kansas on November 2, 1922 to William Ballard Burkett and Madge Eileen Burkett.  They followed William's Postal job to Kansas City with summers in Stark, Kansas.  In the 1930's they settled in Parsons, Kansas. Louise was athletic and excelled in Tennis. She graduated from Parsons High School and took additional classes at Parsons Jr. College.  She then served as a Secretary at the Kansas Army Ammunition plant during the World War II.  She and Gerald Charles Connely were married in 1946 and made their home in Parsons.  They enjoyed bicycling and at one time owned a tandem bike and rode all over town for exercise.  Their son, John Charles, graduated from the University of Colorado and Yale University. Louise always encouraged reading and study.  She was a great letter writer and had an extensive correspondence with family and friends.  Often their humorous letters were shared in their circle of friends.  Louise was widowed in on April 9, 2001 and remained living independently at home until July 2017.  She spent her last days at the Prairie Mission Home in St. Paul, Kansas.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village Chapel with her son, Fr. John Connely, an Eastern Orthodox Priest officiating.  Fr. Theodore Eklund and Deacon David Cook will serve.  Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cememtery in Parsons.  An additional Requiem Mass will be served at St. Mark's Church, Denver, Colorado where Fr. John serves as Pastor. Memorial gifts may be of your choice including the Benedictine Fellowship, 1405 S. Vine St., Denver, CO 80210. www.saintlaurenceosb.org