Nelda Retha Burrus

Nelda Retha Burrus, 92, of Amarillo, TX passed away July 21, 2026.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Private interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Nelda was born December 25, 1933 in Canyon, TX to Ralph and Helen Ruthart. She graduated from Canyon High School then earned a Bachelor and Masters Degree from West Texas State University. In 1952-1953, she was the Sun Princess at the Sun Bowl.

Nelda was awarded the RA Selby Lifetime Service award thru AISD. She taught at Ridgecrest Elementary for 34 years. Nelda enjoyed volunteering at BSA Hospital enrolling newborn babies for their immunizations. She was also part of the Gideon Auxiliary.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Troy Burrus.

Nelda is survived by daughter, Kari Freeman and husband Mark; grandson, Benton Freeman and wife Annie; granddaughter, Blythe French and husband Luke; great-grandchildren, Witten, Koen, Eila, Peyton, and Dane "Troy"; and several nephews, nieces, and one local nephew, Rodney Ruthart and wife Gina and their children, Kati and Brayden and wife Kelly.

With heartfelt thanks, Nelda’s family would like to acknowledge the staff at The Ware and BSA Hospice for their loving care of her and the incredible support they have received during this difficult time.