Kenlie Aaron Burns

Kenlie Aaron Burns, age 11, of Ottumwa, IA, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at her home.
Kenlie was born on June 2, 2014, at the hospital in Centerville, IA, to Randal Jr. and Amanda (Fisher) Burns. Kenlie was a student at Liberty School where they sent Meghan Ver Steegh, her teacher, to her home and she was currently in the 6th grade.
Kenlie had a gentle and joyful spirit. She loved music and being read to, and she especially enjoyed trips to the zoo to see her favorite animals-the elephants and giraffes. She liked watching television, snuggling close, and spending time with the people she loved. Kenlie shared a special bond with her Mama and her aunt Bay, and she adored her puppy, Captain. Her favorite color was purple, and she loved swimming in her pool. Though her time here was short, she touched countless lives with her bright smile and kind heart.
Kenlie is survived by her parents, Randal Jr. and Amanda Burns; 2 brothers, Ryder and Cash Burns; 2 aunts, Baylie and Charity (Jeremiah) Ballanger; an uncle, Tyler (Asia) Burns; her grandparents, Randal (Brenda) Burns, Brenda (Ken) Vest-DeBeul, and Michael Fisher; 2 great grandmas, Donna Burns and Alma Watts; and 3 great aunts, Darlene Sisler, Melinda Anderson, and Melissa Watts. Kenlie is also survived by several cousins and extended family members.
Kenlie is preceded in death by an uncle, Aaron Fisher; great grandmother, Irene Fisher; great grandfather, Kendal Burns; great-great grandmothers, Ida Mae Lundstrum and Ruth Lee; and her beloved dog, Captain.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Kenlie's family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Mike Burns and Pastor Mel Kendall co-officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established to family.