Gloria Jean Burton

Gloria J. Burton, 85, of East Peoria, Illinois, died on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Arcadia Care in Morton. Born October 8, 1940, in Peoria to Gilbert W. and Gwendolyn L. [Plumpton] Pelz, she married Howard E. “Jack” Burton on December 31, 1964, in Creve Coeur. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2002. Her son, Joseph E. Burton, brothers, Gilbert D. “Butch” Pelz and Donald W. “Ducky” (Mary Kay) Pelz and her sister, Patricia A. [Pelz] Son, also preceded her in death.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Angela (Bill) Davis of Bloomington and Valerie (Gabriel Meza) Howard of Pekin along with four grandchildren, Cody Howard, Evan (Ollie) Hultin of Edelstein, Galvin Davis and Gwendolyn Davis of Bloomington, and six great grandchildren – Emmett, Brentley, Rosie, Lincoln, Ollie, and Tobias. She is also survived by her sister, Rosemary “Rosie” Jorgensen of West Peoria and her brother-in-law, Gerald H. “Jerry” (Pat) Son and her dear friend Janice Barham of Morton, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many cousins.

Gloria opened her childcare business in 1966, which operated in her East Peoria home, and she cared for multitudes of children for over 40 years. She was a room mother for her children at Lincoln School, as well as a longtime Girl Scout leader for many young girls, participating in educational events/trips, parades, and numerous overnights at Camp Tapawingo. She was also a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria, where she was a member of the choir and active with the Ladies of St. Peter’s. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Cremation rights have been accorded, and a private inurnment will be in the Chapel of Peace Columbarium at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis.

Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at: