Laura Burton

Laura Lee Burton was a strong, perseverant woman whose love for her husband, children and grandchildren was demonstrated every day by the way she lived. She dedicated herself to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who was her example of the selflessness care she showed to and received from others.

Laura Lee was born to Charles F. and Elizabeth (Froman) Lima on May 14, 1953, during a period of American peace and prosperity. Growth in industry and the job market gave workers an opportunity to build homes and start families that launched the baby boom era. General Motors was a major employer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Mr. Lima was part of the industry that helped support his family of six children: Charles, Barbara, Peter, Ann, Laura and Steve. Their mother cared for the children at home on Andre Street SE, where the neighborhood kids regularly got together to ride bikes and play ball. Laura was quite a tomboy athlete, playing basketball and softball and hanging out with the boys more often than the girls. She enjoyed family camping in a tent every summer at Gun Lake, and she liked to fish, especially for bass on Rainbow Lake. Laura was pretty good at fishing and went as often as she could.

An important component of Laura’s upbringing was her religious community. She attended St. Francis Xavier School and Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary, and the family were members of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church and later St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. Laura had to lean on her faith mightily during her high school years. Very sadly, her dad died 1970 and her mom in 1971. What deep sorrow for one family to bear. Yet in that same year, Laura’s friendship with a young man named Larry Burton brought glimmers of joy and a future.

Laura and Larry first met in 1971, when she was getting gas at Wesco Gas station. In the numerous times after, the two of them always talked. Over time, Laura convinced Larry to go for a drive with her, and that was all it took. They dated for several months and were married at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on October 28, 1972, just six months after Laura graduated from Kellogsville High School. The newlyweds spent a romantic honeymoon evening at Howard Johnson’s before settling into life as a married couple.

There were many “firsts” in Laura’s life as a young bride: first home with Larry at Country Corners Mobile Home Park in Kentwood; first job at Maria’s Pizza and then at Montgomery Ward, and first car, a VW Beetle and later a ‘67 Mustang. Her first child, Matthew, was born in April 1977, and in June 1980, she and Larry welcomed daughter Jenny into their lives. The young family made their home on Canterbury Street SW in Wyoming before moving to Sand Lake, Michigan in 1986. Located on Sand Lake, the house and surroundings provided a beautiful and spacious place for Laura and Larry to host the many family gatherings they so enjoyed.

As loving parents, Laura and Larry were involved in all aspects of their children’s lives: baseball and boy scouts with Matt ; softball, dance and band for Jenny. Laura was fun-loving, patient and kind to her children, always making them feel special, particularly on their birthdays and holidays. She was protective of them and would do anything for her children.

Together, the Burtons created many family memories over the years of camping at Gun and Lincoln Lakes and vacationing at Disney World and Las Vegas. Laura and Larry supported their children throughout their years of education and in their life choices. The kids attended school at Rogers, Sand Lake Elementary and Tri County High School, with both graduating from Grandville High School. Matt became a U.S. Marine and Jenny spent four years in the U.S. Air Force. Laura and Larry were very proud of both their children.

Laura kept herself busy working in and outside of the home. Her employment included Long John Silvers, Ace Hardware, Great Day Foods and Happy Elephant Day Care. Still, she managed to keep an immaculate home, free of clutter and abounding in wonderful meals. Laura was a great cook of Italian cuisine, like Italian bread, meatballs and spaghetti sauce and baked goods such as cannolis, banana bread, and her favorite Better-Than-Sex Cake. Such delicacies went well with Laura’s sweet tooth for cookies, Snicker bars, and her famous combo – popcorn and fudge.

Laura also enjoyed her leisure time, whether listening to music, watching soaps or playing cards. She tuned-in to Bette Midler, Bob Seger, Anne Murray and Neil Diamond; settled-in for All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital; or clicked-on to her favorite movie, Beaches, which she watched “a hundred times.” Laura always enjoyed her girls’ night outings which, if they included poker, she usually went home with the money. She had a great poker face to go with her gaming skills.

It was in 1990 that Laura first noticed unusual, nervous muscle twitching and went to see a neurologist. She was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, the same disorder that had afflicted her mother. Laura’s illness progressed through the years and made her life increasingly difficult. She eventually could not drive and lost her driver’s license, which was very hard on her, given her vigor for life.

In October of 1993, Laura and Larry moved to Standale, and he lovingly cared for her in whatever way he could. To Larry, Laura was his hero who endured hardships no person should. In the words of their favorite song, Laura was “the wind beneath his wings.”

Over the years, Laura’s illness took its toll on the family, but they were always there for her. When it was apparent she needed more care than her family could give, Laura moved to Allendale Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. She lived there exactly five years to the day, under the loving care from a dedicated and caring staff. Laura was surrounded by her beloved family when she died Thursday afternoon at 1:17 on October 23, 2008.

Laura will be remembered as a loving and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was an example of strength and courage to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mrs. Laura L. (Lima) Burton, aged 55 of Walker, MI, was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Lima; She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Larry Burton; her children, Matt and Katie Burton, Jenny and Dustin Becker; her grandchildren, Calvin Burton, Emma Burton, Gavin Burton, Dylan Becker, Nathan Becker; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Calvin and Geraldine Burton; her brothers and sisters, Charles Lima Jr. (Karen Kristiansen), Barbara (Gary) Larson, Peter (Becky) Lima, Anne Thrift, Steve (Tammy) Lima; many nieces nephews and friends. Laura was a loving and dedicated sister, wife, grandma, aunt and a friend to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Allendale Nursing and Rehabilitation Community for the love and care given to Laura and her family, which has been her home for the last 5 years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 156 Valley Ave. SW (please meet at church). Relatives and friends can meet her family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with a vigil service at 7:30 PM and visitation again at the church one hour prior to the service. Please consider contributions in her memory to the Huntington Disease Society of America - Michigan Chapter. To leave your own memory of Laura or to sign her guest book, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com