June 1, 1936 – November 14, 2023

Rita Karen Burton passed away November 14, 2023 at Claresholm, Alberta.
Rita was born June 1, 1936 at Dixonville, Alberta to Albert and Ruth Sorensen. She was the second in a family of six children.
At a very early age Rita learned to care for people by looking after her younger siblings. Albert purchased a farm and moved the family near Berwyn, Alberta where Rita grew up and graduated high school. Furthering her caregiving talents, she pursued nursing at the University of Alberta, graduating as a registered nurse in 1959. Shortly after graduation, she embarked on a trip to Hawaii with several classmates including Marilyn (Murdoch) Mouser. They nursed in Hawaii for about a year, returned to Alberta to work in various hospitals before arriving in Claresholm to work at the Claresholm General Hospital. Rita and Marilyn ended up going out on a date with two local Claresholm boys Ross and Tim. There was some note trading going on after the date, not sure whose idea it was, but Rita went with Tim and Marilyn with Ross.
Tim and Rita were married February 8, 1964 in Rita’s hometown of Berwyn. The trip up to northern Alberta in February proved to be fairly eventful with driving through a blizzard, but everyone made it and actually welcomed a chinook the wedding day. They returned to live in Claresholm where Rita continued working as a nurse. Doug arrived on the scene in December of 1964 and Catherine in June of 1969. In 1973, they moved to the family ranch on Meadow Creek. Rita continued working shifts at the hospital until 1975, then stayed home working along side Tim, busy looking after everyone, cooking for hired men, raising kids, gardening etc. Living on Meadow Creek, Rita belonged to the Meadow Creek Ladies Club and always helped out with all the club functions.
Rita had a great love for playing cards, especially Bridge, after learning at a young age from her father. Playing Bridge and gardening became lifelong passions for Rita.
In 2002, Rita worked with Butch Norby, a lifelong friend and neighbour to design a house that was built in Claresholm on a lot where her dear friend Ruth McKinney had lived. After moving to town in 2003, Rita enjoyed her life to the fullest looking after her yard, growing her hydrangeas along with many favourite flowers over the years. Bridge playing got a whole lot more serious and she played weekly for many years with the Bridge Gang. Rita served on the Claresholm Museum board and organized the first Old Fashioned Tea on the Lawn at the museum which became an annual favourite for many to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade cookies.
Rita enjoyed travelling with Tim, quite often to a car show but did several cruises and a trip to Mexico. She always loved getting together for family gatherings and cooked countless meals. Even though Rita quit nursing in 1975, she was always caring for or feeding someone who needed help, delivered Meals on Wheels and was checking in on friends and neighbours.
After Tim’s passing in November 2022, Rita moved into the Porcupine Hills Lodge. It was now time someone looked after her. She continued playing Bridge every week and loved to help out in the courtyard garden and going for her daily walks.
Rita is predeceased by her brothers Ted and Allan. She is survived and dearly missed by her brother Paul; sisters Linda and Elaine; her son Doug, granddaughter Layne, Shawna Burton; daughter Catherine (Todd) and grandsons Max and Finn Buhmiller.