2/28/1952 – 6/20/2026
Lawrence
Services for Deacon Deborah Stansbrough Burns will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 at at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas.
Deborah Stansbrough Burns of Lawrence, Kansas died on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Deborah was born on February 28, 1952 in St. Louis MO to Raymond Arthur Stansbrough and Ruth Ronat Stansbrough. She graduated from University City High School in 1970. She then moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the University of Kansas and completed a B.A. in history.
On May 31, 1975 she married Garth Frederick Burns at a celebration that remains renowned. The center of her world was being a mom to her beloved daughter, Sarah Renee Burns.
Debbie was the first woman chair of KU Young Democrats and went on to manage the state legislative campaigns of Betty Jo Charlton. She remained active in the Douglas County Democrats throughout her life including serving as Vice Chairman. She was a poll worker in Douglas County for 50 years and for many of those was a Supervising Judge. She was proud to support democracy through free and fair elections.
She was an avid reader and cook. Her roast, Yorkshire pudding and Buche de Noel at Christmas will be missed. Her baked treats were legendary in the community.
She was active in Girl Scouts and served as Hidden Valley Board member, Troop Leader, Leader Trainer, and Day Camp leader. She loved teaching others to cook on a campfire and sing Girl Scout camp songs.
Watching her beloved Jayhawks play basketball and baseball was one of her favorite activities . She supported the baseball team as a season ticket holder and enjoyed attending their annual banquets.
Deborah was a forever St. Louis Cardinals fan who grew up loving Tim McCarver, Bob Gibson and Lou Brock. She had fond memories of attending games with her big sister Liz at Sportsman’s Park.
Deborah was called and ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal church on December 22, 2001 and served at Trinity Lawrence and St. Martin’ in the Fields Edwardsville
As a deacon she sought to care for the unseen and fulfill her Baptismal Covenant to see and serve Christ in all people, work for peace and justice and respect the dignity of every human being.
One of her roles as a deacon at Trinity was to administer the Deacon’s Discretionary Fund which provided pastoral care for those in crisis including helping with groceries, rent, gas, shelter, and medication.
Last summer Deborah participated in Kansas to Kenya and served as deacon at services. She spoke fondly of being so graciously received by people in their homes.
Deborah was thrilled to see giraffes up close.
Survived by husband Garth F. Burns, daughter Sarah Renee Burns, and sisters Elizabeth Meyer and Christine Wagnon.
Predeceased by parents Raymond A. Stansbrough, Ruth Ronat Stansbrough and siblings Phyllis Moore, Patricia J. Dedeke, Kurt L. Stansbrough.
Family requests donations to the Deacon’s Discretionary Fund Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, or Relay For Life of Douglas County, ATTN: RFL of Douglas County, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, Lawrence, KS 66049.
To leave a message for Debbie’s family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.
Note: The Lawrence Times is offering Lawrence and Douglas County community members space to publish remembrances of loved ones who lived in this community, free of charge. These pieces are submitted by family and friends of the deceased and not written by our staff. Photos are also provided to the publication, and some may have been altered prior to submission. Read more obituaries here.
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