Wyleta Marie Burks

Wyleta “Sugar” Marie Burks, 64, passed away May 16, 2024, at Landmark Hospital after a long health journey.  She was born January 5, 1960, to the late Evelyn and Samuel Burks in Fulton, Missouri.  She is survived by her sister, Owenetta Murray and her husband, Eddie; her brother, Enos Burks and his wife, Sally, nephews, Ryan Murray, Clint Murray and Branden Burks and niece, Stephanie Burks.  She was also preceded in death by eight half-brothers.

Wyleta was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in her first year of life.  She spent 42 years residing in one of Boone County Family Resourses’ (BCFR) facilities, which she thoroughly loved.  BCFR originated in 1976 by a group of concerned parents, one of which was Wyleta’s mother, Evelyn Burks-Bosch.

BCFR was a wonderful place to live, providing Wyleta many activities to participate in; Wyleta’s favorites included aquatherapy and horseback riding at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center.  She had a bicycle built specifically for her that others could push her on, which Wyleta loved to take rides on.  A constant during her life was fanning books; wherever she went she had a book to fan.  Wyleta enjoyed music and being outdoors, where she could take in the animals and plants.  Wyleta was a very sweet and kind lady, with a streak of orneriness at times.  She will be missed by many, and we are all thankful for the time we had with her.

A Celebration of Life Gathering to honor Sugar’s life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to BCFR or Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, C/O Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

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