Clara Colleen (Koppes) Burroughs passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas at the age of 68. She was born on September 4, 1948 in San Mateo, California to Nicholas “Nick” and Veda (Bane) Koppes. After graduating from Miami Coral Park High School in Miami, Florida, she went on to graduate from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas in 1984 with a degree in nursing. In 1967 she was united in marriage to William E. Burroughs in Miami. They later divorced. They were blessed with a son, Bryan.

Colleen had a huge heart that was evident in everything she did. She enjoyed helping people, and her career as a nurse gave her the opportunity to touch countless lives; always encouraging her patients and bringing smiles to their faces, even in difficult times. As an animal lover, time with her German shepherds, Major and Dirk, was just as uplifting for her heart as it was for theirs. But the time she cherished the most was when she had opportunity to love on, and spoil her granddaughters.

Colleen is survived by her son Bryan Burroughs of Salina; daughter-in-law Cindy Burroughs of Topeka; and granddaughters Lexus and Jade Burroughs.
She was preceded in death by her parents Nick and Veda Koppes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 5, 2016 at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Stockton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

Colleen showed us by her daily example how to live uncomplicated in life, and unconditionally in love. Her heart and spirit were a continual source of strength and encouragement for those she loved and cared for. Although she will be greatly missed, she will forever be in our daily thoughts, words, and deeds.