FOUNDER'S FUND
LENA MOFFITT BURNS
Lena Moffitt Burns was born January 2, 1893 to George and Hattie Moffitt at Table Rock, Nebraska. Her father, George, who was a brick mason, died from typoid fever when Lena was eight. She received her education in Seward County. As a young woman she accompanied her- mother and step-father to Yuma County Colorado where she found employment as a switchboard operator.
Lena Married John C. Burns on January 18, 1912. They made their home in Yuma County where they were wheat farmers. Four children were born to this union, Cecelia, Leo, Cathlyn and Vivian. In the early 1940's Lena moved to Denver. She worked at Colorado General in the Admissions Office until the time of her retirement.
Lena had ties with Wood River. Her mother Hattie had married John H. Steiger in 1929 and they made their home in Wood River. John and his parents, Jacob Steiger I-Lad originally settled in Jackson Township in the early 1560's. Their home place is still owned by the family.
Lena enjoyed traveling, she enjoyed visiting family, and also liked to visit new places. She was proud to say that she had visited forty-seven of the fifty states, and never really gave up on the possibility of visiting the three remaining states.
In 1972 Lena moved to Wood River, to the Oasis, to be closer to family. She liked the independence of having her own home. She enjoyed the activities provided by Senior Citizens and in particular the crafts. Lena enjoyed handwork and always had a project going in the knitting basket. Lena enjoyed cards, from playing Bridge with contemporaries to UNO with the great-grandchildren, Grandma played to win.
Lena enjoyed best the times when her family could be together. Her family did get together various times. For her 90'Birthday the cake was complete with 90 candles to help the great-grandchildren understand what 90 meant. Lena was survived by 3 children (daughter Vivian predeceased by seven months), twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
To honor Lena her family chose to complete her fund to the status of a Founder. Income will be generated each year to be used by the Foundation on projects which will benefit the people of the Wood River area.