Mary Ellen Burdett, age 84, died on August 6, 2020 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.  She was born on January 25, 1936 in LaCrosse, Kansas the daughter of Charles and Mildred (O'Neil) Brandt.

Mary was very active in her home and on the farm with her husband where they raised their four children. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ness City and active in Ladies Circle, VBS and Sunday School.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She was very active in the Ness County community attending Red Hat Society and as a 4-H leader.  Mary served and received numerous awards as a Senior Companion, and she was a member of the Silver Haired Legislature.

On July 17, 1959 in Ransom, Kansas she married James Burdett.  He preceded her in death on March 7, 2003.

Mary is survived by two sons, Everett Burdett of Salina and Dr. Michael Burdett and his wife, Lisa of Larned; two daughters, Debra Paxson of Garden City and Deidra Suchsland and her husband, Mike of Agra; one brother, Carl Brandt of LaCrosse; 10 grandchildren, Valerie (Manuel) Terrazas, Becky (Troy) Scott, Kathryn (Tyson) Couchman, Dr. Kristen Mull, Matt Paxson, Joe (Dani) Suchsland, James C. Burdett, Dr. Ben Suchsland, David Burdett, and Dr. Megan Suchsland and 11 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Sam, Ralph, John, Paul, Franklin, and William.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Ness City followed by burial in the Ness City Cemetery. Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Monday, August 10 from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church or the Pawnee County Fair Association.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in Mary's guest book.