Emma "Sue" Burnell

Emma “Sue” Burnell, 81, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2026, at her home.

She was born on March 28, 1945, in Hico, Texas, to Robert Lee Prater and Annie Pearl (Doty) Prater. Sue was raised with strong values of faith, family, and hard work on a small Texas farm, which she carried with her throughout her life. She grew up in an era when the local high school was the center of community life, spending her high school years as a varsity basketball point guard, and graduating as part of the final class of Fairy High School before its doors closed.

She spent 18 years as a title clerk with Ed Bozarth Dealership before relocating to Texas, where she devoted many years of service as an Aviation Safety Assistant with the Federal Aviation Administration until her retirement. She took great pride in her work and cherished the relationships she built throughout her career.

A woman of deep faith, Sue was a member of South Knollwood Baptist Church, where she was a devoted Sunday school teacher.

Sue had a love for life’s simple and meaningful moments. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, sewing, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. She especially cherished time spent with her family, cooking for holidays, and making memories with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Sue is lovingly survived by her children, Ron Burnell (Shawna), Rose Burnell, and Rhonda Tucker (Scott); her grandchildren, Michael Moten, Mekhi Moten, Paris Burnell, Colton Burnell, Mason Moten, Abbie Burnell, and Ajiah Burnell; her step grandchildren, Destiny Kresge, Deja Tucker, Devonte Tucker, Shayla DeLaFuente, Meagan Burgess, and Bo Burgess; along with many cherished great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Pansy Weise, Bobbi Moran, and Royce Prater.

A memorial visitation with friends and family will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5-7:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Emma's memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.