Grace M “Dolly” Burris

Grace M. “Dolly” (Dann) Burris, 93, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, formerly of Centre Hall, PA passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020 at the Eagle Valley Personal Care Home in Milesburg. She was born in Bellefonte, PA on November 30, 1927 to the late Calvin and Helen (Sweitzer) Dann. On January 15, 1949, in Centre Hall, she married Harry C. Burris. They were married 47 years before Harry’s passing in 1996.

Three children survive Grace: Donald (Bonnie) Burris of State College, Ronald (Patricia) Burris of Bellefonte, and Vickie Gordon of Centre Hall. Six Grandchildren: Jennifer Conklin, Jeremy (Amber) Burris, Carla Burris (Darby Martz), Meredith (Allen) Jackson, Melanie and Nathan Gordon. Four Great Grandchildren: Seth and Sara Conklin, Ogden and Eliana Burris.

Grace, the oldest of eleven children, is survived by her siblings: Calvin Dann, Jr. of Delaware, John (Linda) Dann of Bellefonte, Ethel “Ginny” (Bud) Meredith of State College, and Nannie (Gary) Lentz of Arizona. Many in-laws, nieces, nephews and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters: Donald, Bill and Paul Dann, Marlene Struble, Mary Dann, and Emma Schweiker.

In addition to raising their three children, she was active in many church functions, 4-H, and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed baking for others, going on bus trips, attending Centre County Grange Fair, and going to the Centre Hall Senior Center.

Keeping in touch with family and friends gave Grace great pleasure. She was always known for her kindness, generosity, and a loving heart. She always had a welcoming smile. 

She worked various jobs including G.C. Murphy’s in Bellefonte, Hills and Ames Dept. stores in State College. She also worked briefly for The Corral Pizza Shop in Centre Hall. Later she did volunteer work for local agencies.

Grace was a former member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Centre Hall and a current member of Grace Lutheran Church in State College.

The family wants to thank Eagle Valley Personal Care Home and their employees for their loving care. 365 Hospice also comforted her during her last days.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, services will be private at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery in Centre Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.