Patricia Sue (Bilanow) Burnes

Patricia Sue (Bilanow) Burnes, 72, of Battle Creek died unexpectedly on Friday, January 19, 2024. 

Pat was united in marriage to James Michael Burnes on July 19, 1975, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek, MI. Surviving are her husband, Jim; son, Andrew Burnes of Boulder, CO; son-in-law, Dana Rice of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, Jack, Brooks and Caroline Rice, Avett Burnes; brother, Daniel (Kathleen) Bilanow of Antioch, CA; sister-in-law, Kiran Bilanow of Battle Creek; her immediate family is surrounded by a loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathryn Rice; her parents, Walter Bilanow and Dawn (Maybee) Bilanow; and brothers, Bruce Bilanow and Thomas Bilanow.

Pat was born May 30, 1951, in South Haven, Michigan. She moved to Battle Creek her 2^nd grade year and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1969. She went on to earn her bachelor’s in elementary education from Michigan State University in 1973. It was there she met the love of her life, Jim. After college, Pat and Jim moved back to Battle Creek where Pat began a 38-year teaching career in the Harper Creek School District, earning her Master’s in Literature from Western Michigan University during that time. Mrs. Burnes had a passion for teaching. She loved finding ways to help students discover their creativity and she cherished the many lifelong friendships created throughout her years as a teacher. She retired in June of 2010.

Pat was overflowing with love and her life was centered around family. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved cheering on sporting events and school activities in person, or from afar. She took pleasure in any opportunity to play host. Her beautiful smile and outgoing personality made everyone around her feel special. Pat’s passions included travel, golfing, gardening, arts and crafts, walks with her sister-in-law, lunches with her Haha sisters and dinners and trips with their SIC family. She was an avid reader and was committed to lifelong learning. Outgoing, caring, warm, quick to crack a joke and share a laugh, she was loved deeply and will be missed beyond measure. 

Friends will be received from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 25^th, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Friday, January 26^th, 2024, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at:  https://www.facebook.com/StThomasBC  or at:  https://www.youtube.com/@saintthomasepiscopalchurch9320/streams

Patricia will be laid to rest next to her daughter, Kathryn; committal and interment will be held at Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 S. Warrenville, Rd., Wheaton, IL 60189 at 1p.m. Saturday, January 27^th, 2024.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com