Please help beloved Burdette Knous stay in her Creede home!

Calling all Angels!

We are reaching out to help our 91 year old Grandma dearest, Burdette Knous. She has been a cherished member of the Creede, Colorado community since 1992.

As of today, she is still living in her house on the hill, where she has always enjoyed her humble and simple life.

Burdette has spent her last 32 years enriching our little town through her kindhearted actions. She always shared whatever she had with those around her. In case you don’t know, she was the type who would literally give you the jacket off her back if she knew you needed it- and she would do it with so much joy!

Her late husband, Merle Knous, was a fourth generation Coloradan and the grandson of William Lee Knous.

The roots William Lee Knous put down in Colorado run deep. He was the only Coloradan who has ever served at the top level in all three branches of the state’s government. First he was the Senate President, then the chief Supreme Court justice and then, Colorado’s 31st Governor.

Merle Knous had the same honorable leadership blood running through his veins and he left his own legacy in Colorado by serving as Creede’s mayor and then on Creede’s town council for many years.

Merle’s important work helped Creede become the successful tourist town it is today—further deepening the Knous family’s loving connection to the area.

Burdette excelled at her role as manager of the beautiful La Garita Ranch for 16 years. Then she thoroughly enjoyed spending her time working at the wonderful Quiller Gallery for 12 years. She found joy in dedicating herself to preserving and celebrating the beauty of our unique area and its glorious nature and extraordinary art.

Around the age of 82, Burdette’s body began to need more rest, so she switched to working from home doing a professional typing service. She typed and typed until she was about 86 so she could help pay off the bills that had accumulated from her late husband’s medical and end of life expenses. She always worked so hard to help pay her bills and keep her house. About 5 years ago dementia began to really set in, and she had no choice but to retire from working…She was 86 but her strong work ethic had no quit!

Beyond her work, Burdette has always been a compassionate friend and neighbor. She was the first to step up when someone was in need, offering money, a helping hand or simply a shoulder to lean on. Burdette has cared for countless people in Creede over the years and would help anyone who asked.

Unfortunately, she has been challenged by more major health problems in the past few years. Late stage dementia has taken an irreversible toll on her mind and on her body. Additionally, she has suffered from multiple falls which have resulted in multiple broken bones and surgeries. Most recently- she had a mini-stroke.

Throughout her many trips to hospitals and nursing home recovery centers she has made one thing VERY clear… Her heart’s desire is to live out her last days in the comfort of her home which she worked so hard to keep.

Despite this time of financial hardship and her frail body- her spirit continues to glow joyfully through her sweet smile. Her demeanor is as sweet as ever and she is still able to express that she is quite happy to be alive. She loves spending her awake time with her family, friends and caregivers so if you feel inclined and are able- do consider giving her a visit!

On most days, you can find her resting on her deck with her dogs- soaking up the sun whilst eating her favorite food… Vanilla ice cream! And don’t be surprised when she tops that treat off with a nice glass of chilled white wine and a cheers to the good life!

Burdette still has so much about her life to enjoy, surrounded by loved ones and the breathtaking views and natural setting her home is nestled into.

She looks forward to spending more time with her two little great grandchildren and loves being able to share her home with them when they visit.

Her son Jimmy has been (and still is) her full time caretaker but the workload is just too much for him to continue to do alone (especially when his body has its own physical limitations).

There is no way around the fact that Burdette needs daily in-home care but unfortunately we have not been able to find any government assistance that will help pay for this service since Creede is so small and rural.

All worries aside, Burdette still smiles every time she looks out her window and sees what remains of her late husband’s treasured gardens. Merle spent the majority of his final years outside doing what he loved most- gardening. He nurtured their land with his deep love for good soil and plants of all kinds. Most of all, he loved putting in the work to see his beautiful flowers in bloom. There is a tree stump outside Burdette’s window on which Merle used to rest while gardening. To this day, Burdette will often look out her window at “Merle’s stump” and say a few words under her breath as though she is right there with him. Merle peacefully passed away in their home with Burdette by his side 7 years ago. It is Burdette’s last wish to also make her transition from Earth to Heaven in her beloved Creede home.

Suffice to say, all this is why we (her granddaughters) have created this fundraiser. Since we do not know how long our dear grandma has left- we are going to focus on meeting her needs, one season at a time. Initially, we are hoping to raise $37K so we can afford to pay off the credit card (that we have had to use for her needs up until this point) and then also have enough funds to get her through this winter. If she is still with us come spring, we have plans to launch an additional fundraiser for her then.

All funds raised will be put directly toward paying for Burdette’s previous and current daily in-home care needs, medical expenses, monthly mortgage payments, snow removal, car repairs, and also any adjustments necessary to make her home a safe haven where she can stay comfortably.

All in all, Creede has always been Burdette’s heart and soul, and we want to make sure she can remain in the place she loves so dearly.

Your support, no matter the amount, will make a profound difference.

Now is our chance to come together as a community to give back to the Knous family legacy and more specifically to give back to this Faithful woman who has always been so obedient in giving so much to all of us.

Burdette lived by the old adage,

“It is more blessed to give, than it is to receive”.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to help make Burdette’s last wish a reality.

Thank you all for your kindness and generosity— We have Faith God will bless you and yours with overflow in return!