Shirley Jo Burton passed away on September 23, 2025, at Parkside Manor in Stuart, NE, at the age of 95. She was born in Watseka, IL on March 18, 1930. She met and married Russell J. Burton Jr on December 4, 1948, in Arkansas. To this union they had four daughters. They moved their family to Scottsdale, AZ, in 1962, and then in 1975 they moved to Maricopa, AZ. She worked as a secretary for 45 years, all while taking care of her home and family. She enjoyed taking Sunday drives, seeing all the beauty and history Arizona has to offer. One of her favorite drives was to Flagstaff in the winter, where she could enjoy the snow, then drive back down to the valley and not have to commute in it. In 2013, she moved to Atkinson, NE, to be closer to family. She was an AVID reader and enjoyed murder mysteries. Her daughters had a hard time finding her books from the Atkinson Library she hadn’t already read, and at the time of her death, it was said she read over 300 books from the Atkinson Library.
As per her request, there will be no services, and the burial will be at a later date. She always loved dogs and would appreciate contributions going to the Humane Society. Cards may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 54, Stuart, NE 68780.
Shirley is survived by her four daughters, Christine Donn of St. Johns, AZ, Betty Jo Dechaine (Dale) of Craig, NE, Lillian Mae (Susan Marie) Buck of Stuart, NE, and Jackie Scarlett (LeRoy) of Stuart, NE; six grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; along with her very dear friend Suzette Gibson of Scottsdale, AZ.
She is preceded in death by her husband; loving son, James Cameron; parents; parents-in-law; brother-in-law, Frank Trusty; sister-in-law, Thelma Woodall; son-in-law, Gary Buck; son-in-law, Kenneth Donn; and one grandson, Kenneth Donn Jr.
Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill is in charge of arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.biglinsmortuary.com.
