Marilyn Leone Burton

Marilyn was born on May 1, 1948, in Hawthorne, CA to Curtis Baird and Juanita Riess. Marilyn grew up in Downey, CA and graduated from Downey High School in 1966. She had two younger brothers and one younger sister.

After meeting James (Jim) Burton at a church dance, they went on to be married on November 18, 1978. Besides becoming a new bride, Marilyn also became a mother to Jim’s two young daughters (Tammy and Diana) from a previous marriage. They resided in Van Nuys, CA for 25 years, during which time they grew their family by having two sons (Nathan and Steven). In 2003, they moved to Sylmar, CA, where they were living at the time of Marilyn's death.

Marilyn was a homemaker for 43 years. She was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Primary, the church’s organization for teaching children, for more than fifty years. Although she had several positions in this organization, her favorite position was serving as the pianist. Through this service, she touched the lives of many children.

Marilyn was talented and had many interests. In addition to playing the piano, she drew, wrote poetry, knitted hundreds of pairs of slippers and crocheted dozens of baby sweaters and booties. She enjoyed sewing and made many handmade costumes for her children throughout the years. She was also a wonderful cook and baker.

Marilyn had a smile that lit up every room she entered. She made friends easily and kept in touch with many of her friends throughout her lifetime. She loved to make others happy, which she did through acts of service and kindness. Marilyn was a wonderful wife and mother, and was proud of her children’s accomplishments. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Juanita. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Tammy Burton and Diana (Abel) Ronquillo, sons Nathan (Stephanie) and Steven (Areli), grandchildren Cameron, Matthew, Andrew, Savannah, Adrian and Emilia, and siblings Quinn (Rose), George (Janice) and Nita (Lloyd).