Lela Ann "Smitty" Burrows, age 93, of Eads, Colorado departed this life on Monday, December 14, 2015.
She was born January 20, 1922 to William and Hazel Schmitz in Three Forks, Montana.
She grew up on the ranch up Petty Creek, south of Alberton, Montana. Lela was the youngest of four,
with older siblings, Della, Jane and Jack. She completed 8th grade at West Fork School before attending
Alberton High School and eventually joining the Navy.
She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and completed Basic Training at Hunter College in New York,
followed by Specialty Training in Norman, Oklahoma. While stationed at Alameda, California
as an aircraft mechanic she acquired the nickname "Smitty". She met and married Howard Burrows,
also an aircraft mechanic. They were married May 31, 1945 in Missoula, Montana. After they were
both discharged from the Navy in September of 1945 they remained in Alameda and welcomed their
first son Jimmy in April of 1946. In October of 1947 they moved to Alberton and in February of 1948
their second son Teddy was born.
After moving to Belgrade, Montana and then Billings, Montana they would move to Security, Colorado
in 1954 where they would live for 19 years. During this time they would welcome their daughter
Jan in 1959 and watch their sons graduate high school. In 1973 Howard, Smitty and Jan would move
to Eads, Colorado where Smitty lived for forty two years and made many dear friends. She enjoyed rock hunting,
crafting, puzzles and built a large spoon collection.
Smitty was a wonderful and loving mother to her three children, Jim Burrows, Ted and wife Susan Burrows,
Jan and husband Gary Knoblock.
A loving and proud Grandma to sixteen grandkids, Brett Burrows, Kirk Burrows and
Lauren Simmons, Jeff and Daina Knoblock, Tyler and Sara Knoblock, Carrie and Ryan Hamacher, Randy Burrows,
Shara and Cedric DjoBi, Morgan Burrows and Andrea Box and Kyle and Leslie Knoblock.
Continuing her heritage are twelve beloved great-grandkids: Hannah, Wesley, Braxton, Kragen, Braydon, Ashlynn, Makenzie,
Aubrey, Gavin, Brynley, Faith and Haven Lela.
She loved her family dearly and would remind them often with a simple "I Love my Kids". The legacy of love
she leaves will never be forgotten and she will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know and love her.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service
2 pm, January 23, 2016
Dove Witt Family Mortuary
6630 South Highway 85-87
Fountain, Colorado
Reception following service at Dove-Witt
A memorial fund is set up at:
UMB Bank in Security, Colorado
502 Security Boulevard
Security, CO 80911