Elizabeth Druce

It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of Elizabeth, who left us on January 13th, 2024, at the age of 84. Elizabeth was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and a dear friend to all who met her. Elizabeth’s kindness, generosity, and loving spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Elizabeth was born on April 6th, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Carl and Louise Kneisley. She grew up in the Birmingham suburbs, after high school, she pursued her studies in business before marrying her school sweetheart, Neil Burke.

Elizabeth and Neil tied the knot in 1963, together they built a life rich in love and joy. They raised three sons—Edmund, Kent, and Douglas—and Elizabeth was wholeheartedly dedicated to her boys, actively participating in their school activities, including serving as President of the PTA for several years.

A woman of many talents, Elizabeth’s passion for cooking and sewing was widely known. She regularly contributed to school bake sales and cake walks, and even volunteered to sew choir outfits for Kearns Junior High School, creating 50 sets of gold and black shirts, pants, and skirts over the course of several years.

Her creative spirit curated her career into a gifted seamstress. She spent several years managing the fabric department at Sprouse Reitz in Kearns. She later transitioned to a fulfilling career in the insurance industry, working for multiple companies before retiring from the Utah Department of Insurance after 30 years of dedicated service.

Elizabeth’s generous heart was evident in her many contributions to her community. A proud member of the Ladies of Elks, she devoted much of her time to charitable causes, particularly Camp Wapiti. Leaving behind a legacy of love, Elizabeth’s also leaves behind kindness, and dedication to both her family and her community. Her warm spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her and experience who she was as a person.

Elizabeth is survived by her sisters, Margaret Kneisley, Mary Louise Madden (Mike), and her brother, Martin Kneisley (Judy); her sons, Edmund Burke and Kent Burke (Darl); grandchildren, Kiefer Burke (Kelsey), Bailey Wagner, Greg Burke, and Knox Burke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Louise Kneisley; her son, Douglas Burke (2023); and two husbands, Neil Burke and Paul Druce.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with close family in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Camp Wapiti in Elizabeth’s honor, a cause she deeply cherished.