Catherine ("Kay") Burton Lence, age 89, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2017, in Salt Lake City, Utah of natural causes.
Born September 10, 1927, in Salt Lake City to Catherine Rigby Burton and Edward Leon Burton Jr. She married Robert Garner Lence on October 6, 1948. They were happily married for more than 57 years until Bob's death in 2006.
Kay attended East High School in Salt Lake City and graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Utah, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was an active member of the Junior League of Salt Lake City and was a volunteer for many community organizations including the Neighborhood House, the Red Cross, the PTA, the Cub Scouts, and several hospitals. She enjoyed all types of music and was an accomplished pianist for her church and for the Junior League Choral Group.
Kay and Bob loved traveling, spending time at the beach, and always looked forward to seeing family and friends at regular meetings of their "Cousins Club" and "Dinner Club." After Bob's death, Kay remained an active member of the Salt Lake Country Club and the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club (San Diego) and loved playing golf and bridge with her friends and family, including all games organized by her brother, Edward, during her last few years.
But more than anything else, Kay was full of love for life and her family. Asked by one of her grandchildren to describe her perfect day, Kay responded, "I love being with all my family. I love all my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren."
She will be remembered for her boundless energy, optimistic outlook, and courage. She was a fighter to the end, and always had a smile on her face.
Kay is survived by two brothers, Edward L. Burton III (Barbara), Robert W. Burton (Louise); three children, Christine Lattin (Dan), Sharon Snyder (Cliff), and Robert B. Lence; 11 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren with two more on the way.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Sunrise Senior Living in Holladay, Inspiration Hospice, and Right at Home Care, all of whom gave extraordinary and compassionate care to Kay in her final days.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, at 12:00 noon at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Prior to the services, friends and family may call at Larkin Mortuary between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to 9 Dots Community Learning Center, 931 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 ("9dots.org") or to another charity of choice.
