Hannah “Louise” Sanders Burton

August 30, 1938 – April 27, 2024

Louise Burton, age 85, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Louise was born in Anniston, Alabama, to Samuel and Zera Mae “Bess” Sanders. She grew up in a comfortable home on the Gadsden Highway, surrounded by a loving family which included her father, a Crescent Trailways bus driver; her mother, a homemaker; and her brother Robert’s family who lived next door. She graduated from Anniston High School and attended college at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where she completed a nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse. While she was in nursing school, she met the love of her life, Dan Burton, when they were both visiting a friend in the hospital. They later found out that the friend had intentionally invited them to visit at the same time. Dan and Louise married on May 2, 1959, at Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Anniston. They moved into a home that Dan built in Vestavia Hills and quickly had three children. Dan worked as a homebuilder while Louise was a homemaker. In 1968, Dan built Louise her dream home on seven acres in Green Valley, a new subdivision that he helped develop in Hoover, Alabama, and she lived there happily for the rest of her life.

Dan and Louise joined Vestavia Hills Baptist Church soon after their marriage, and both took active roles in church leadership. Louise served as WMU Baptist Women’s President and in many other offices for this group. She sang in the choir, played in the handbell choir, taught Sunday School, Training Union and Acteens, and volunteered in many other capacities in the church. She was a faithful lifelong member of the Friendship Sunday School class. Louise had the gift of hospitality and was known for the lovely teas that she gave for dozens of brides through the years. She was an expert in southern etiquette and made sure that every detail was perfect. She was a true southern lady.

Louise also served in several offices of the Birmingham Association of Homebuilders Auxiliary, including President. She was active in PTO and volunteered often in her children’s schools.

Louise loved her children and was a wonderful mother. When her children became teenagers, she decided that she would enjoy sharing her home and talents with other children by becoming a foster parent. Dan agreed, as did their children, and after a period of vetting and training, Louise and Dan opened their home to foster children. They served as foster parents for over 30 years, and loved making these children a part of their family while the children were in a transitional period in their lives. This calling was challenging, especially when the children left for permanent homes. Louise and Dan’s home was warm and welcoming, and they were often asked to speak to and train prospective foster parents.

Louise and Dan enjoyed traveling and instilled this love in their children by taking regular family car trips. In their later years, they traveled long distances by car, driving to places throughout the United States as well as to Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. The family also enjoyed a vacation home on Logan Martin Lake where they boated, skied, sailed, and enjoyed family time together. After Dan’s death in 2002, Louise continued to travel with friends, stayed active in her church, and enjoyed the lake house with her family.

Louise is survived by three children, Jan Deagon (Arthur), Taylor Burton (Erin), and Angie Burton. Her beloved daughter, Debbie Rubino (Tod), passed away in 2016. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Tyler Deagon (Rachel), Brian Deagon (Maddie), Frankie Rubino (Brittany), Ben Rubino (Morgan), Daniell Burton (Ellie), Zachary Burton, Reilly Burton, Elizabeth Ann Burton, Chase Bly and Skylar Morriss. Louise is survived by seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood on Thursday, May 2, from 5 – 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on Friday, May 3, at 9 a.m. Pall bearers are Michael LaValle, David LaValle, Tyler Deagon, Ben Rubino, Daniell Burton, Zachary Burton, Reilly Burton and Chase Bly. A celebration of life will be held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Friday, May 3, at 12 noon. Friends are welcome to visit with the family in the church foyer following the service.

Memorial contributions in Louise’s honor can be made to the church she loved so much, Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, and designated to the Endowment Fund.