Mary E. Burton

Mary Ellen Burton, 88, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Bucyrus Community Hospital after recent health issues.

She was born in Crawford County on September 17, 1935 to the late Asa and Edna (Brown) Starlin. She graduated from Lykens High School in 1953 and met Cleon Burton in 1956 while lapping in Bucyrus. They were married November 4, 1956 and shared 62 years of marriage when Cleon preceded her in death on January 31, 2019.

She and Cleon were members of Zion Chapel which merged with Grace UMC and is now Bucyrus UMC where Mary sang in the choir. Many Wynford students will remember Mary as their bus driver which she drove for over 40 years. She kept a large garden which led to a lot of canning and her pies and gingerbread were family favorites. 

Mary and Cleon were horsemen, purchasing their first in 1961. They operated a small farm, producing a lot of hay and oats for their horses, and later rented it out. They enjoyed raising Appaloosa horses which their kids showed all over the state. After their children left home, the Burtons dabbled with thoroughbred horses and they loved racing them in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and occasionally at the Mountaineer in West Virginia. Attending the Kentucky Derby in person was another highlight. In addition to racing, she served as a 4-H advisor for 16 years. She was a member of the Ohio Appaloosa Association and Ohio Thoroughbred Association.

Mary was so proud to be Austin’s grandma and follow his interests. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit family, was able to make it out west to see several states, and she loved autumn trips to view fall foliage.

Mary is survived by three sons, Randy (Kathy) Burton, Rick (Jenny) Burton, and Steven Burton; one grandson, Austin Burton; and step-grandchildren, Mitchell (Jessica) Stuckert, Nikki Saunders and her daughter, Lily, and Travis (Shannon) Watson and their children, Brylon, Kaeston, and Daxson. She is also survived by nieces, Janet (Richard) Harer and Yvonne (Tom) Matus.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by siblings, Hazel (Victor) Ulmer, Elva (Loren) Culver, Donna Starlin, and Warren (Gladys) Starlin and a nephew, Robert Starlin.

The Burton family will receive friends from 5-8 pm Friday, March 8 at Wise Funeral Service. Funeral services for Mary will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at Bucyrus UMC with Pastor Becky Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery.

Donations can be made payable to Bucyrus UMC and will be accepted through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook.