Helen Irene Burton, 93, of Harrisonville, Missouri, a treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Graveside services will immediately follow at approximately 11:15 AM at Orient Cemetery in Harrisonville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice. Helen was born on September 11, 1933, in Randolph, Nebraska, a daughter of Allen and Arvilla Parrish. She attended grade school in California before moving to Butler, MO, where she completed her education.
In April of 1950, Helen met the love of her life, Clyde Burton, on a blind date at a skating rink. Just seven months after their first date, Clyde and Helen said “I do” on October 17, 1950, in Bentonville, Arkansas. The couple fulfilled their wedding vows until their last breaths. The happy couple had two children; daughter, Cheryl (Burton) Roughton, and son, Kevin Burton. Their family enjoyed annual vacations together where love and laughter were shared and memories were made.
Helen spoke fondly of her close friends and often recalled stories from the memorable moments they had shared together working at Graham’s South Side Drug and locally at the Harrisonville School District.
Helen and her sister, Carol Davis, shared a bond like no other. In Helen’s final years, she and Carol were gifted the opportunity to live together again, just like they had as young girls. During this time, their jar of memories overflowed, always sharing laughs, ornery ideas, and genuine love for one another. Their sisterly bond remained steadfast throughout the many trials and tribulations a life well-lived brings.
Throughout her life, Helen was no stranger to being a caretaker and nurturer to those she loved. Helen‘s favorite nickname was “Grandma,” you could always find her with a great-grandchild sitting in her lap. Her silly, sarcastic demeanor radiated the love and compassion that she had for everyone that she crossed paths with. Her grandchildren fondly remember memories of Helen waving them goodbye on the back porch when they’d leave a visit with her.
Helen was an avid Kansas City Chiefs football fan and loved attending games. The most memorable game that she attended was when she was gifted tickets to a game versus the Raiders for her 80th birthday. Helen was always wearing her Chiefs gear and her wish of being laid to rest in Chiefs apparel will be fulfilled. We would love to see those attending her services wearing Chiefs-themed attire in honor of her love for the team.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Bart) Roughton; sister, Carol Davis; daughter-in-law, Donna Burton; 8 grandchildren: Shatauna (John) Rhoades, Jenna (Michael) Taylor, Bryan Roughton, Erin (Dylan) Smith, Ashley (Chace) Larson, Sarah (Austin Limback) Burton, Rachel (Wyatt) Essary, and Nathan Roughton; along with 19 great-grandchildren; as well as, many other relatives and close friends.
Helen is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde; her son, Kevin Burton; her parents, Allen & Arvilla Parrish; and 5 of her siblings.
#MidAmericaLive
