Mary E. Burton
March 17, 2018
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Service Details
Mary E. Burton, 82, died Saturday (St. Patrick’s Day) at her residence at Deerfield in Urbandale, Iowa. She was born September 27, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Guy and Evelyn Rich.
Mary graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School and studied at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. As the daughter of a U.S. Marine officer, she lived in many cities throughout the country. She was retired from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division after more than 20 years.
Mary served as the mayor of Polk City, Iowa, for 11 years and a council member for 8 years. Mary also served on the Metro Solid Waste board for 21 years. She was recognized for spearheading recycling and waste solutions and “talking green before anyone else knew what she was referring to.” In 2010, she was honored for her environmental efforts with a stewardship award from the Metro Solid Waste Authority recognizing her individual efforts to improve the environment.
Mary was active on many boards and commissions, including the Iowa League of Cities (past president), the Metro Solid Waste Authority (past chairwoman), the Polk City Chamber of Commerce, the Big Creek Historical Society, the American Legion, The Metro Planning Organization, the Metro Advisory Committee, and the Mid-Iowa Association of Government.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 28 years, James D. Burton, and grandson, John R. Cook. She is survived by her brother, Guy Peter (Mary) Rich; her children, Guy (Cyndi) Cook, Shannon (Jamie) Peterson, and Jane Beck; stepchildren, Robyn (Lance), Martin, and James Burton; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.
Mary was full of energy. She enjoyed socializing with friends and family, golf, and reading.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 23, 2018, at Assumption Catholic Church, 1904 Sycamore Street, Granger, IA. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 232 in Polk City, IA in memory of Mary Burton.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Melissa Justice Rud
03/28/2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Mary and I had so much fun over the years and I think about her often. She definitely was feisty! May her and Jim have a happy reunion.
Rob and Katy Hartkemeyer
03/22/2018
Mary was so proud of her children, Guy and Shannon. Mary was so fun, feisty and always a hoot to talk with and she had a great sense of humor. It is obvious where Guy and Shannon got their strength in life. Very sorry for your loss.
Bob Andeweg
03/21/2018
My condolences for the loss of Mary. She and I served together on many boards and commissions in the Des Moines metro. She was a hard worker and a thoughtful contributor. She will be missed.
Shar Pardubsky
03/20/2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a true community leader. I knew Mary as the Mayor to Polk City and involvement with the Polk City Chamber and Greater Des Moines Partnership. She will be missed by many of her peers. She knew and taught many new ways for many and lead the way of many great ideas for Polk City and the region She will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Bob & Linda Thomson
03/20/2018
Our condolences to you and your family on your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Beth Overton
03/19/2018
Shannon, Guy and family, I cant begin to imagine life without Mary. She truly was my best friend. We helped each other in so many ways. My life was richer because of her. She kept her sense of humor to the end. I loved her like a sister. She will be forever in my heart.. my thoughts and prayers are with you. Im sorry I wont be there for the service but I know Mary will forgive me.