~~     Evelyn Burks, 89, passed away peacefully in the Franciscan Villa Nursing Home in South Milwaukee on Thursday, February 5, 2015. She was born in Racine on November 25, 1925 the daughter of the late Theodore and Viola (nee: Kamien) Bates. On July 3, 1948, here in Racine, she was united in marriage to Russell Burks who preceded her in death on January 25, 2009. She was a devote wife and mother. She loved making a home for her family and taking care of their children. Mrs. Burks was an avid gardener. She enjoyed drawing and doing word search puzzles. Surviving are her children, Russell (Kathy) Burks Jr., of Seattle, WA, Vicki (Carl) Wells, of Racine, Richard Burks, of Bonita Springs, FL, and Janet (Bill) Lawrey, of Racine; daughter-in-law, Kim Sieverkropp-Burks, of Racine; grandchildren, Mathew (Sarah) Holmquist, Theresa (Nick) Henton, Megan (Jaspher) Carranza, and Stephanie Burks; and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, Mrs. Burks was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Burks, and her brother and sister-in-law, Theodore and Pat Bates Jr. Private services were held and burial took place in West Lawn Memorial Park.