Elizabeth Kathleen Burris, age 39, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022, after a long, hard fought battle with MS. She was born on December 7, 1982, in Indianapolis, Indiana to her parents, Gordon & Carolyn (Merlo) Burris.
Katie graduated from Tipton High School in the Class of 2000. After high school, she went on to attend Ball State University majoring in Interior Design with a minor in Psychology. She was one semester short of graduating with her bachelor’s degree when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Katie wasn’t defined by her diagnosis and remained positive throughout her 20-year battle. She wanted to make sure she wasn’t a burden on anyone, often going without just to avoid having to ask for help or feeling like she was a bother to anyone. Of course, those that helped with her care over the years never felt that way. No matter how bad things would get, Katie always had a smile on her beautiful face. Katie was a warrior in her fight against MS. She participated in a walk to help raise money for MS research, raising over $2000.
Katie had the greatest sense of humor, something she passed on to her son, Adam. She was stubborn but in a way that suited her and helped her in her MS battle. She was so strong, caring, and always had empathy for others. If one word could describe Katie, it was kind…she had the kindest soul that naturally drew others to her.
Katie had a love for great movies, and while she loved movies, she did not like to watch television shows. Among her favorites were, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with The Wind, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and the Twilight Saga. She was also an avid reader; Stephen King was one of her favorite authors. Katie was very artistic and put great detail into her work. She was an animal lover, all kinds of animals but the dearest to heart were cats. She would take in any animal that she felt needed her help and would have taken in all of them if she could. She was a one in a million and will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
Those left to carry on Katie’s legacy of love are her son, Adam Dallas Naden; parents, Carolyn Burris, Gordon (Stacy) Burris; stepbrothers, Nick Sorley, Jake Sorley; and aunt, Martha Burris; Best friend, Kimberly "Kim" Thatcher and her mother, Sue Thatcher.
Katie was welcomed into Heaven by her grandparents, Peggie & Richard Burris, Emanuel & Minnie Merlo; aunts, Donna Tucker, Linda Sumis; uncle, Anthony (Shirley) Merlo; and cousins, Billy Wisemiller and Joe Osborne.
Private services will be held. Memorial donations in Katies honor can be made to any animal shelter or rescue of your choosing. It meant the world to her to be able to help in any way possible, she would have loved that donations in her honor will continue to help many more animals.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Katie’s family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Katie with her family on her tribute wall.
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