Priscilla Emigh

Priscilla Marie (Newell) Burton- Emigh, 95, passed away peacefully January 13, 2018, in Hays, Kansas. She was born on the family farm in Rural Rooks County, January 21, 1922. Priscilla was the oldest of seven children born to Arthur and Alice (Thibault) Newell. As the oldest, it fell on Priscillas shoulders to help her mother with all the younger children and the household chores.

When Priscilla started grade school her only language was French. So not only did she have to learn the usual things, but to understand and speak English. After the eighth grade, Priscilla was needed at home, so her formal education was over.

On February 5, 1940, Priscilla was joined in marriage to Fremont Burton in Damar, Kansas. To this union was born five sons: Lester, David, Albert, Raymond and Martin. When Martin was only two, Fremont suffered a fatal heart attack, August 11, 1956. Now Priscilla was alone to raise these five boys with the oldest only 16. Somehow she managed. She moved the family into Damar and became the school cook and a self- taught beautician. Following the tragic car-train accident of her brother Mitchell, who was not only severely injured, but also lost his wife and son, Priscilla moved to his home in Lyons to see him through his long recovery.

Mitchell did recover and repaid Priscilla by sending her to cosmetology school in Wichita. The boys at that time lived with their Newell grandparents. After completing her course, Priscilla purchased a double wide trailer which served as both a home and a beauty shop.

Priscilla married Norris Emigh November 30, 1968 and moved to his farm south of Selden. They were married 21 years. Norris died in 1989.

Now Priscilla moved to Hays to be close to her mother. Hays became her home till her health required her to have more assistance. She moved to Salina to an assisted living facility. Eventually she returned to Hays to be closer to family and more hands on care. She entered Via Christi and was so happy to see the Chapel that gave the opportunity to attend Mass on a regular basis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Robert and Mitchell; sisters: Odella Bedard, and Eleanor Bellerive; sons, David and Raymond; and stepson Keith Emigh.

Leaving to carry on her legacy of hard work, unconditional love and undying faith are her sons: Lester (Verlee) Burton of Salina, Albert (Leonore) Burton of Hill City and Martin (Anita) Burton of Bird City; and stepson John Leigh (Sherian) Emigh; brother Eloise Newell of Hays; sister Patricia (Duane) Belisle of Damar; 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 27 great great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

While her 95 plus years were filled with good times and laughter, she also endured hardships. Through these trials, her faith allowed her to remain an example of faith, hope and love for her family and all those who knew her. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary began at an early age and remained strong to the end. Rest in Peace, Priscilla.

Services will be 10 am Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar Kansas. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan 16, 2017 6 pm - 8 pm with a family led rosary service at 7 pm all at Brocks-Keithley Funeral Home & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Wednesday visitation will be at the church from 9 am until service time.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's Church in Damar or for Masses.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com















Service Information









Visitation Tuesday

January 16, 2018

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Recitation of the Rosary Tuesday

January 16, 2018

7:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Visitation Wednesday

January 17, 2018

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

St. Joseph's Catholic Church



Damar, KS









Funeral Service Wednesday

January 17, 2018

10:00 AM

St. Joseph's Catholic Church



Damar, KS