Janet Burton, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023. She was born February 12, 1934 in Salt Lake City, UT to Wesley Nels Peterson & Ruby Eliza Olsen. She spent her childhood and adolescence in Salt Lake City. She attended Highland Park Elementary, Irving Junior High and South High School (graduated 1952). She attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University.
Married to W. Wayne Burton in The Salt Lake Temple on June 9, 1955. They were “lined up” by a mutual friend. Jan worked as a secretary at the Utah State Adult Probation and Parole Department before and after marriage.
Wayne was in the military and they were transferred to several areas in the Western U.S. before returning to Salt Lake City.
- In 1956 they moved to San Francisco, CA – Jan worked at temporary jobs while caring for Krehl.
- 1958 Spokane, WA
- 1960 Provo, UT – Jan attended BYU while Wayne was stationed on campus in the ROTC
- 1964 Vacaville, CA – Jan worked as a secretary at the California Medical Facility Prison for psychiatric prisoners.
- 1966 when Wayne was deployed to Vietnam, she moved the family back to Salt Lake City. She began her career at Kennecott Copper
Corporation (now Rio Tinto) as an executive secretary until she retired.
Jan was a very faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in several ward and stake callings in the Relief Society and Young Women’s organizations. She served several missions with Wayne at the LDS Family History Center, Welfare Square and Oquirrh Family History Center at the Utah State Prison.
She loved her family and when she became a Grandma she was always eager to spend time with them whenever she could. She jumped in without hesitation to care for them when her daughter-in-law died suddenly 30 years ago.
Jan was a fabulous cook and was well known for her Sunday Dinners when all the family was invited. She also enjoyed making homemade Cream Puffs/Eclairs and shared with family, friends and neighbors.
Survived by children: Krehl (Debi) Burton and Julie (Jeff) Ray and 5 grandchildren: Trevor (Hillary) Burton; Megan (Eric) Woodley; Kate (Zach) Whitchurch; Kevin Burton; Bryan (Colbie) Burton. Also survived by: Meghan (Brandon) Burkinshaw; John (Tess) McConnell; Christopher (Rachel) McConnell; Ellie Hansen Burton and 28 Great grandchildren.
Survived by siblings: Marlene Peterson Fisher; David W. Peterson (Connie); Sister-in-law, Patricia Peterson.
Preceded in death by parents; Husband, Wayne; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Homer Burton; brothers, John Roger Peterson & Eugene Stanley Peterson; brother-in-law, James Benjamin Fisher.
A viewing will be held Monday, April 17 from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn located at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. An additional viewing will be held prior to the services Tuesday, April 18 from 9:30-10:45am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel located at 2605 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City. The funeral will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, Bluffdale, UT.
To view the zoomed service, please click on the following link. The zoom will start just prior to the funeral service. https://zoom.us/j/91797823071?pwd=UjYveUtZR0FoREFrNlQzVDNCM2UyUT09
So sorry to hear about Jan‘s passing. She was such a great neighbor, and I loved to visit with her. She was always so kind and thoughtful… Such a sweet lady. Although she has not been in the neighborhood for a while now, she will be missed by those of us who knew her all those years.
I can’t think of a woman more service oriented than sweet Grandma Jan. Her service and sacrifice is a legacy for not only her children and grandchildren but for all who know her; an elect lady for certain.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you feel of Wayne and Jan’s love for you always. Love you. (-Sharee)
I taught yoga classes at Spring Gardens last year and Jan was one of the regular attendees. She was graceful and gracious, always asking how my family as doing. I enjoyed chatting with her after classes, and will miss seeing her smiling face. hank you for sharing your warm energy with me, Jan! I am keeping your family in my thoughts <3