MARSHA GROTJAN BURTON
Marsha Grotjan Burton passed away June 9, 2012, after fighting a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Marsha was born Jan. 10, 1949, in Marceline, Mo., to Harvey and Juanita Grotjan. Marsha graduated from Keytesville High School in 1967 where she was named valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of Missouri and later graduated from Webster University. Marsha and her husband, Doug, opened the Westlake Hardware store in Chillicothe, Missouri in 1971. They later expanded their business to include another location in St. Joseph, Mo., and a shopping center. They resided in Chillicothe for 20 years and moved to the Kansas City area in 1991 when Doug became an executive in the corporate offices of Westlake Hardware. Marsha was a member of Chapter AV, P.E.O., Tria Sorosis, Leawood Welcomers, JoAnna Circle, DAR and served on the Livingston County Extension Council. Marsha was also a member of the Church of the Resurrection and Glow Girls, a cancer support group at COR. While residing in Chillicothe, Marsha served on many committees at the United Methodist Church. During her lifetime Marsha assumed many leadership roles in these and other organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts. After becoming ill Marsha volunteered with cancer patients at St. Luke’s Hospital for nine years where she facilitated Second Opinion Panels and did all the mailings for an ovarian cancer support group. Marsha felt one of her greatest accomplishments was her family and the rearing of her two children. She also took great pride in the family business and participated in hardware affiliations and attended many hardware shows while the business grew to include 90 stores. Marsha was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Grotjan. She leaves her husband of 43 years, Doug Burton and children, Greg Burton and wife Gigi of Overland Park, Kan., and Natalie Burton Kohrs and husband Greg of Leawood, Kan. She leaves four grandchildren which were her pride and joy, Burton and Forest Kohrs and Max and Anna Burton. She is also survived by her mother, Juanita Grotjan, Keytesville, Mo., her siblings, Harvey Grotjan, Jr., Lake St. Louis, Mo., Barbara Thurmon, Fayette, Mo., Lisa Saladino, Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Lana Richards, Keytesville, and a host of nieces and nephews. When Marsha was diagnosed she expressed her desire to be around to see her children happily married and the birth of her grandchildren. With her fierce fighting spirit and her strong will to live she accomplished those goals and had 17 plus years to enjoy her gift of life. One of Marsha’s greatest loves was being with her family and friends at their home in the Lake of the Ozarks. It became the gathering place for many celebrations and a sanctuary for recovery and healing. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Wesley Chapel of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Visitation will be 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, at the church. Interment will be following the church service at Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Integrative Medicine Department at the University of Kansas Medical Center where Dr. Jeanne Drisko and her staff were of source of hope and caring support for Marsha or to Harvesters: The Community Food Network
Arr: Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd. KCMO 64114 www.cathyb6.sg-host.com