Obituary of Marilyn Burton

Marilyn J. Burton, 92, of Peoria passed away on Sept. 9, 2018 at Apostolic Christian Skylines Nursing Home in Peoria. Marilyn was born on July 10, 1926 in Springfield the daughter of Charles D. and Ferne (Howell) Ross. She married Gene Burton. Marilyn earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Bradley University. She taught 39 years in various schools in the East Peoria School District, Unit #86. She became a reading specialist in later years and continued tutoring students after retirement. Marilyn was a life long member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and very active with St. Martha's Guild. No one loved Peoria more than Marilyn did. She was very active with civic organizations including Peoria Women's Club, Peoria Historical Society. Her educational organizations included Chi Omega Sorority, Chi Omega House Corp as treasurer until she was 80+ years old, Panhellenic Alums, Illinois Retired Teachers and A.A.U.W., including numerous other civic and educational groups. She particularly enjoyed school class reunions. Marilyn loved 'all creatures great and small' and was very generous to many not-for-profit groups. Over the years she mothered and tamed many animals, both wild and domestic. She was an avid Rivermen hockey fan and even spent hours counting Holocaust buttons and grading Bible lessons for prisoners. She is survived by three nephews, John M. (Ellen) Curtin III of Pekin, Jeremiah J. (Jeanette) Curtin of Dallas, TX, and Nelson (Anne) Ross of Boise, ID; ten great nieces and nephews; and fourteen great great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother and a sister. The family would like to thank AC Skylines Care Center and Vitas Hospice for their wonderful loving care during her final days. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Peoria. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to St. Paul's Martha's Guild or Peoria Women's Club. Marilyn's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com