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Elizabeth "Beth" (Meeks) Burns

November 14, 1941 ~ July 30, 2023 (age 81) 81 Years Old

Obituary

Elizabeth “Beth” Burns, age 81, of Ashland, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Burbank Parke Care Center. She was born November 14, 1941, in Bryan, Ohio, the daughter of the late Shafor and Isabel (Queen) Meeks. Beth was a graduate of Ashland High School. On June 20, 1959, Beth married Cloyd “Richard” Burns who survives. Beth and Richard operated a dairy farm for many years. After converting it to a tree farm, Beth graduated from Ohio State University with BA and MA degrees and from Kent State University with a Master of Library Science degree. She had been employed with Ashland University Library, Akron Public Library, and most recently as Director of Bromfield Library at Ohio State University-Mansfield before retiring in 2010 after 19 years of public service. Beth loved to read, and she also enjoyed sewing, gardening, planning family gatherings, and serving as a member and librarian of the Ashland County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Also surviving are her 11 children: James (Dee) Burns of Ashland; Susan (Scott) Sayers of Ashland; Anne Goon of Millersburg; John (Karen) Burns of West Salem; Jesse (Pamela) Burns of Logan; Jacob (Melissa) Burns of Logan; Margaret Burns Allen of Albany; Mary Edenfield of Westerville; Kathryn Decker of Utica; Joseph (Sarah) Burns of Ashland; and Jonas (Ashley) Burns of Ashland; 25 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister, Virginia Paxton Milem of Sunbury; brother, Bob (Ellie) Meeks of Bismarck, ND; 3 nephews and 2 nieces.

In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death by sons-in-law Tony Goon and Bruce Allen; brothers-in-law Rick Paxton and Paul Milem; and 1 great grandchild.

There will be a Celebration of Beth’s Life at a later date for family and friends. Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.heylfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Beth’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, 2131 Park Ave West, Ontario, Ohio 44906, or the Ashland Public Library, Attn: Stella Metcalf, 224 Claremont Ave, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

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