Barbara Burdett Raines

During the evening of Monday, March 15, 2010, our wonderful mother and grandmother, Barbara Ann Burdett Raines, age 76, began the next phase of her life. Even though we grieve for the temporary loss of her physical presence, we are happy in our knowledge that she has been reunited in heaven with loved ones who meant everything to her.

Born October 1, 1933 in Greenville, South Carolina to Marvin Moroni Burdett and Gladys Electra Parris Burdett, Mom was the baby sister to Irma and Henry. Affectionately known as "Bobbi", she excelled in her educational pursuits at Welcome Elementary/High School and Greenville Nursing School. The medical field was her passion, as was her desire to give comfort and care to her patients throughout her nursing career. Barbara was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Music was a large part of her life. She played the piano, led and sang in various choirs at church and in the community.

On August 8, 1953, Mom married Charles Winfred Staton, and during their marriage, gave birth to two outstanding daughters: Karyn Staton Clayton (Dell) and Janet Staton Goode (Bobby). After divorcing and being a single mom for several years, Mom met and ultimately married Clyde Raines, who added his eight wonderful children (Cindy, Steve, Debie, Selethia, Bryan, Ginny, Kenneth and David) to Mom's circle of love and caring. After moving to Dallas, Texas in 1975, Mom gave birth to two more “favorite” children (we refer to them as her "favorites"): Catherine Leigh Raines Irvin (Cas) and finally a boy, James Michael Raines. To complete Mom's circle, she has welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After Clyde's death in 2007, Mom picked up her life and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to live with Karyn, Dell and their children. In spite of a neurological disease, Fronto-Temporal Dementia, that robbed her of speech, physical strength and ability, her smile and spirit never failed to charm and delight us. Words cannot begin to express the comfort Mom found in having Karyn take care of her every need; Karyn, Mom adored you. As a son-in-law, Dell spent countless hours and sleepless nights for the past three years ensuring Mom's well-being; Dell, Mom treasured you. To Jennifer and Brian, Hilary, Patrick, Stephanie and especially Neal, thank you for sharing your lives with Mom while she lived with you. You were a source of joy, love, and entertainment for her.

We will celebrate and rejoice in Mom's extraordinary life Saturday, March 20, 2010at 11:00 a.m. at Parley's 6th Ward, 2350 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be one hour prior at the church. Burial will be in Dallas, Texas. Condolences may be sent to www.wasatchlawn.com