Terri Lea Burton

The family of Terri Lea Burton is heartbroken to announce her peaceful passing on June 27, 2026 at the age of 78.

Terri was born on March 1, 1948, in Clendenin, West Virginia, to Mark and Elsie Naylor. She graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1966 and went on to build a fulfilling career as a successful real estate agent and respected antique dealer. She also wrote two books: Spiritually Inspired volumes I and II.

A woman of deep spirituality and compassion, Terri was an ordained Unity minister who dedicated many years to sharing hope, wisdom, and love through her ministry. She also served as a hospice chaplain, providing comfort, guidance, and peace to countless individuals and families during life's most difficult moments. In addition, Terri opened her heart and home as a foster parent, providing love, stability, and encouragement to children in need. Her selfless commitment to caring for others was one of the defining qualities of her life.

In 1985, Terri married Jeffrey Edward Burton. Together they shared 41 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, laughter, and family.

Although her heart always belonged to the mountains of West Virginia, Terri's journey led her to live in several states before eventually settling in Loveland, Colorado in 2022, where she cherished being close to her daughter Emilea. She was welcomed with open arms by Emilea’s wife, Taylore Anderson, and the entire Anderson family during her time in Colorado.

Terri embraced life with joy and gratitude, finding beauty and wonder in even the simplest moments. She had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcome, never meeting a stranger, and always taking a genuine interest in the stories of others. Her kindness, compassion, warmth, and infectious sense of humor touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Above all, Terri was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful friend. She shared her boundless love not only with her family but with anyone who needed encouragement, comfort, or simply a listening ear. Her generous spirit and caring heart left a lasting impression on all whose lives she touched.

Terri is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Jeffrey Burton; her four daughters, Deborah Shawver Hancock and her husband Paul Hancock, Diana Burton and her partner Tom Kirk, Kathryn Shawver Fontaine and her husband Chris Fontaine, and Emilea Burton and her wife Taylore Anderson; her cherished grandchildren, Taylor Fera Bryski, Ryan Fontaine, and Grace Fontaine; her treasured great-grandchildren, Audrey Bryski and Addison Bryski; and many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.

Terri's legacy is one of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, joyful laughter, and unconditional love. She found beauty in every day, welcomed everyone with an open heart, and reminded those around her that kindness is life's greatest gift. The love she shared and the lives she touched will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She will be forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to https://pathways-care.org/give-now. Terri received compassionate and expert hospice care at their inpatient facility in Fort Collins, CO. She believed hospice care was one of the greatest gifts that we can give each other.

Her final wishes were for her ashes to be scattered at the family cemetery in Clendenin, WV without a formal funeral service. Her family will be bringing her ashes to her final resting place this October, one of her favorite times of year in the West Virginia mountains.