Betty Ann Burns, 84, of Ontario died Monday, June 13, 2016, from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Betty was born Oct. 29, 1931, to Earl and Nora (Johnson) Sherry on Belgium Ridge in Viroqua. In 1949, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Tainter. To this union were born four children: Nathan, Marsha, Kevin, and Alan. They divorced in 1979. In 1985, she was united in marriage to Burl Burns. He preceded her in death in 1994.
Betty was a resilient woman, having lived in 21 different houses, but making each one a home. Betty’s priorities in life were her God, her family and her connection to people. She enjoyed camping and fishing and had a passion for travel. Betty visited 49 states, and though she didn’t get the chance to visit Utah, she still was able to view it from above as she flew over it. She took five cruises and traveled the world, visiting Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and, being a proud Norwegian, of course Norway.
She is survived by her children, Nathan (Deborah) Tainter, Marsha (Jeffrey) Sullivan, Kevin (Peggy) Tainter and Alan (Anne) Tainter; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Cleyola Mellem; a brother, Sigurd (Shirley) Sherry; and a sister-in-law, Charlene (Delbert) Monroe.
She is further survived by three stepchildren and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Burl; four brothers, Ellsworth, Nathan, Earl Jr. and Robert; a brother-in-law, Eldon Mellem; three stepsiblings; and one stepchild.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at Grace Community Church, 100 Monroe St., Ontario. Pastor Bruce A. Milleman will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Wednesday from 4–7 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
