Obituary of Bernice "Bunnie" Elliott

Bunnie Elliott of Burlington, CO passed away April 28, 2013 at the Sloan’s Lake Rehabilitation Center in Denver, CO at the age of 87. She was born Bernice Etta Short on April 10, 1926 on a homestead south of Seibert, CO to Ben and Bessie Short. She was the seventh of eight children. Bunnie had very fond memories of attending Second Central School in the country. Then, in an adventurous move, she lived in Flagler while she finished her last year at Flagler High School in 1944. She worked after school as a soda jerk in the Flagler drug store. Bunnie met the love of her life, J.C. Elliott at a roller rink. It was ladies choice and she made a great one! They married on April 11, 1948 in Hugo, CO and Bunnie worked at the local bank. Sadly, their first child was a still born baby named Roger. Bunnie and J.C. moved to Oceanside, CA in 1952 where J.C. was stationed at Camp Pendleton with the Marine Corps. While there, they had their first daughter, Monte. Upon returning to Colorado, they eventually made their home two miles north of Burlington, where Bunnie raised her kids, Monte, son Lynn, and daughters Lori and Jerri. Bunnie made sure her kids attended Sunday School at the Methodist church. She supported them in countless school activities, 4-H and swim meets. She was always a mother first. She was also a very active community member, participating in Modern Homemakers, Federated Woman’s Club, United Methodist Women and Bridge Club. In her earlier years, she enjoyed her pinochle club and bowling. If all the kids and community activities didn’t keep her busy enough, she also managed the pro shop at the Prairie Pines golf course and was a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant for many, many years. Sadly, in October of 1985, Bunnie lost J.C. who died at the age of 57; she lived for 28 years on her own with the support of her church, family and friends. During that time, she had a special bond with her son-in-law, Ernie, who was a source of help and humor. Bunnie was blessed to be a grandmother and was so in love with her four grandkids, Andy and Lauren Love, Leah Clarke, and Sydney Elliott. Bunnie will be especially remembered for nurturing her relationships. She stayed in regular contact with friends and relatives through each stage of her life, as far back as her childhood. She was devoted to sending cards and letters, including her annual, typed Christmas letter. She rarely missed an occasion! Bunnie was a woman of faith and it showed in her sunny disposition through the ups and downs of life. She was appreciated for her kind and loving ways and her ability to laugh and joke, no matter the circumstances. She was a friend to all! Bunnie was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Elliott, parents Ben and Bessie Short, siblings Shirley Matthews, Harley Short, Viola “Peg” Pursley, Alice Keller, Paul Short, Art Short, Larry Short and a sister-in-law Eleanor Short. She is survived by her children Monte Clarke, Lynn Elliott, Lori Love, and Jerri Elliott. Son-in-law Ernie Love. Grandchildren Andy Love, Lauren Love, Leah Clarke, Sydney Elliott, and a Sister-in-law Juanita Short.