Elfriede “Sophia” Burns, 93, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016. She was born in Saarbruecken, Germany, on September 16, 1922 as the youngest of 5 siblings. She married Anton Bestler, moved to Augsburg and had 3 children, Rolf Dieter, Ursula, and Jutta Annelore. After the death of her husband in 1964 she immigrated to the United States and settled in Florida with her children. Two years later she married Carl N. Burns, a retired Master Sargent in the United States Air Force.
She was happiest when surrounded by family. She was a caring and loving mother and cared deeply for her step-sons Bob and Butch and everyone in her extended family. Sophia was a devoted grandmother to Deborah and Michael and adored her 5 great-grandchildren, Austin, Ashley, Alyssa, Andrea, and Filippo. She was thrilled to welcome her great-great grandson, Isaiah, into the world on October 11, 2015. She loved family get-togethers and celebrations and most of all taking care of all her “kids”.
Sophia loved the beach, the sun, and everything in nature. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and loved listening to the music of Clay Aiken and was an avid “Claymate”. In her eighties she quickly learned to use the computer to stay in touch with family and world events. Even in her later years she enjoyed traveling with her family and just last year ventured on a trip to Alaska.
Sophia was our rock. We could always count on her support and love. Words cannot express how much we will miss her. She was truly an amazing woman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Philipp and Karoline Stehlin; her husband Anton Bestler and her husband, Carl N. Burns and her four siblings. She is survived by her sons, Rolf Dieter Bestler (Victoria) of Brandon, Robert G. Burns of Bixby, OK and Carl N. Burns of Shreveport, LA.; daughters, Ursula Bestler (Wayne Nelson) of Clearwater and Jutta Graham of Pinellas Park; grandson, John Michael Graham; granddaughter, Deborah Kim Bestler of Carre, Italy; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and an extended family.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Lealman United Methodist Church, located at 4090 58th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714. Burial will follow at 12:45 PM at the Bay Pines National Cemetery located at 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33708.
Dear Jutta and Ushi,
Heartfelt sympathy to the loss of your beloved and wonderful mother, from Rosemarie and Peter Voss
Hallo Jutta & family
I am very sorry about the loss of your mom.
You will notice and feel that your mom is still with you.
Love Lotti
Christa from Germany
DearUschi and family,
I know what it means to lose a mother. My deepest sympathy is with you. You’ll have to go through a hard
time now,
but gradually the grief will be easier to endure.
Love Christa
So sorry about your loss. My deepest condolences and regrets about hearing this news.
All Our Love,
Sasha & Leia
Jutta and family, So sorry to hear about your mom. My heart and prayers are with you and the whole family. I know she will will truly missed by all whose lives she touched. Let me know the times of the services.
My dear friend Ursula,
I always smile when I think about the time your mother and I sat together and watched a Bucs game on TV. She knew all about football and was totally into the Bucs and the game. It was priceless. I know how close you were to your mother and how much you will miss her. I pray that you will find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of her and of the happy times you spent together. Jeff and I love you. Charlene
Dear Uschi & Jutta,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Grandma Sophia’s passing. She was an outstanding person and a wonderful Grandmother. Even if I didn’t get the chance to spend much time with her, I will miss her greatly and cherish all the sweet memories I have of her.
I would have liked to attend Grandma’s funeral to say good-bye and to be close to my Dad, but unfortunately, in this period we are unable to come to the States.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all.
Love,
Debbie
Hallo ihr Lieben,
Leider hat uns die traurige Mitteilung über den Tod eurer Mutter erreicht. Wir haben oft an Sie gedacht und uns erinnert wie liebevoll Sie uns bei unserem Besuch in Florida umsorgt hat.
Ihr müsst dankbar sein, dass sie so lange bei euch war. Unsere Gedanken sind bei Euch.
Viele liebe Grüße auch an Jutta und Dieter.
Inge, Peter und Steffi