Laura Cleo Burton

Laura Cleo Burton, 87, of Independence, Kan., died Thursday, April 7, 2005, at Heatherwood Estates. She was born Jan. 20, 1918, in Hale, Kan., the daughter of Fred and Lois (Lakin) Bird. She graduated from Sedan High School and worked for a time at the Sedan Credit Bureau. She married Ivan William Burton in Joplin on Nov. 5, 1938, he preceded her in death on March 30, 2003.

They operated a farm west of Independence for more than 50 years. She was a member of the Bolton Friends Church in Bolton, Kan., the 60 Club of Independence and was a former member of the 58 Sewing Circle.

Survivors include two daughters, Marsha Gale LeRoy, of Independence, Kan., and Cheryl Kay Sexton, of Sheldon; one brother, Ross Bird, of Houston, Texas; one sister, Elaine Gardiner, of Hondo, Texas; five granddaughters; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Thaine Bird; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 11, at Penwell Gabel Webb & Rodrick Chapel in Independence, Kan. The Rev. Jim Blocher will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends may call today and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-7 p.m. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6 to 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to AWOL of Independence, Kan.