DOWNEY – Ione H. Burton, 96, longtime Downey resident, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010, in the Malad Long-Term Care Facility.
She was born in the small community of Grant Ward outside Downey on October 8, 1913. Her parents were James and Ruth Henderson. She attended school in the Downey area.
When she was 17, on February 11, 1931, she married Don S. Burton. They were sealed in the Logan Temple in March 1950. Don and Ione lived, worked, and raised their family in Downey. They raised three daughters, Ruth, Donna Mae, and Alene, through the long years of the Great Depression.
She learned to work hard and do whatever needed to be done. She worked at many different jobs through the years. She managed Jack’s Café, worked at the Western Auto Store, and the J.C. Penney’s Store. She wrote a column for the local newspaper and managed the Log Cabin Motel on the outskirts of Downey.
She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through the years she held many positions in the church. She loved to sing and for many years was a member of the Madrigal Choir in Downey.
After Don’s death in 1997, she lived alone but loved having visits from family and friends. She always had a cookie in the cookie jar but you had to know where to find the potato chips.
She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Jones of Downey and Alene (Moire) Charters of Reedley, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, her parents, two brothers, Edis and Hazen, a sister, Valene, and her daughter, Donna Mae. She and Don take credit for 16 grandchildren, and the number of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren is still growing.
Thanks to all the family and friends who showed so much kindness to Grandma in her final years after her hearing started to go and her mind got more and more confused. And a special thanks to her grandson, Hal and Kathy Jones and their family for the special kindness they showed in helping Grandma after Gramps died. There is a special place in heaven for people like all of you and Grandma will be waiting there for you.
Funeral services will be held on Friday April 9, 2010 at 1 p.m. in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may visit with the Burton family on Thursday evening at the Downey church from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Friday prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home. You may send condolences to the family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com.

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Published in Idaho State Journal on Apr. 7, 2010.