Katherine Susan Lien Burton
September 15, 1981 - November 13, 2021
Katie Burton passed away on November 13, 2021 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City with her husband Brett at her side. Katie was born on September 15, 1981 in Salt Lake City to Kathy and Rick Lien. When she was a baby, her brother bragged that she was the prettiest baby in the whole wide world. Katie was a kind and sweet little girl and that never changed as she grew older.
As a kid, Katie was passionate about gymnastics and soccer. She played soccer for the Firebirds Soccer Club, East High School, Utah State University and University of the Ozarks. She graduated from the U of O with a degree in sociology. She later attended Rockhurst University and Washburn University and obtained a masters degree in special education.
Katie married Brett Burton on May 7, 2011 in a beautiful ceremony at Mildale Farm in Kansas. Katie and Brett made their home in Olathe, Kansas. They enjoyed traveling, Kansas State football games, and spending time with family and friends. Katie was a special education teacher in Topeka and Shawnee Mission until her illness would no longer allow her to work.
Katie battled several blood disorders, finally succumbing to leukemia. She fought hard for 10 years with her husband and mom by her side through countless clinic visits and hundreds of days and nights in the hospital.
Katie is survived by her devoted husband and best friend Brett, parents Kathy and Rick, brother Kris Lien, his wife Melinda and their kids, Owen, Olivia, Violet, and Ava, aunts and uncles Susan and Jim Hohenboken, Tim and Lillian Lien, Janine and Dale Hudiburgh, Doug Gillen, Gail Heinrich, Mary Gillen, and several cousins. Katie was loved and will be deeply missed by Brett’s parents Rick and Carolyn Burton, his sister and brother-in-law Jana and Jay Mastin, and their daughter Alyssa.
We will celebrate Katie’s life on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Always and Furever, an animal sanctuary where Katie and Brett volunteered, at www.alwaysandfurever.org.
We will celebrate Katie's life on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Thompson Barn, 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.
In Loving Memory
Our condolences to Katie's friends and family. Brian and I are KSU football friends.
Terri Huseman
Tonganoxie, KS
So sorry to hear of your loss of your beautiful wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, family member and friend.
Judy Rohr
Topeka, Ks
Dear Brett and Family, My loving thoughts to all of you in your loss of your darling Katie. I am so very sorry and know you will miss her terribly. Take care of each other. Love, Nancy Ihle
Nancy Ihle
Prairie Village, KS
Brett and family I am deeply sorry to hear about Katie. Please accept my condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve. Hugs my friend! Sara Walker
Sara Walker
Bonner Springs, KS
Brett and Family, As much as you try to prepare for it, you can never truly be prepared to lose your spouse. There are no words that will ever heal the loss or the pain, but I understand and offer my most sincere sympathy to you and all her family. She was a fighter and stronger than we will ever understand. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish that I could take your pain.....I'm here if you need anything.
Amy Barenklau
Paola, KS
Hi Brett and all of Katie's Family, My sincere sympathy in Katie's passing. She was a bright light who fought hard to navigate her lengthy illness. At her side, you all battled too. Please know that my continued prayers will be coming your way as you journey forward, knowing Katie would want you all to live well, laugh, and heal. With saddness for your loss, hope for your future, and my sympathy. --Shelly Schwedhelm
Shelly Schwedhelm
Fort Calhoun, NE
I am so sorry for your loss. Katie was as beautiful inside as she was outside. My thoughts and prayers have been and still are with you.
Toni Sinker-Strang
Raymore, MO
Dear Kathy and family, I am so sad to read of Katie's illness and death. I hope you can find some peace in knowing she is no longer suffering. I'm sure you will miss her terribly, but hopefully you can take comfort in your fond memories of her. My deepest condolences. Sincerely, Sheri
Sheri Eardley Slaughter
Salt Lake City, UT
Kathy & Family- Very sorry for your loss of Katie. I remember she was a sweet, kind, fun, caring spirit. Caring thoughts are with you. Peace be with you and your family. Janet Buonocore
Janet E Buonocore
Murray, UT
Dear Kathy, Rick and Brett,. Our deepest sympathies to you after the loss of Katie. I have memories of Katie playing soccer at East. Margot always talked about how nice Katie was. Our thoughts are with you at this extremely difficult time. Much love Charsti and Vince Merrill-Johnson❤️
Charsti Merrill
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Kathy and Rick--I was so sad to hear about your darling Katie's passing. I remember her running around Lowell--she was such a source of life and joy. My daughter passed away from Cancer in March, so I can empathize with the painful journey you have been on. And now we are together in the club no parent wants to join. We are so grateful for the time we were able to spend with our daughters, and thankful for memories--even those painful ones at the end. But oh, how we wish they didn't have to go. I had hoped to make it to Katie's celebration of life, but had a last-minute Grandma duty. When things settle down, I would love to visit with you. I have such fond memories of Katie, but also both of you. With much love, Carolyn Zaugg
carolyn zaugg
NORTH SALT LAKE, UT
I was so sad to hear of Katie's passing. I remember Katie as being kind and gentle, a calming presence no matter what was going on. I have really good memories of our time playing soccer at the Ozarks and remember how close she was to her father. I did not know her as an adult in the "real world" but I can only imagine she was as amazing a wife and teacher as she was an athlete and friend. I pray you are all comforted by the Great Comforter and King of Peace and by the good memories shared here.
Kara Boleyn
Tomball, TX
My heart was broken when I heard about sweet Katie! We had so much fun working together at Heartland! She was such a fun loving friend! She will truly be missed. You all are in my prayers.. ❤️
Kathy Wolfe
Stilwell, Ks
I cannot put into words how sad I feel about the passing of Katie. Students are not supposed to pass on before their former teachers and certainly not before their parents. I cannot begin to understand or even pretend to know what you must be feeling at this time. Katie was more than just an excellent student in my class, she was a kind and wonderful example of caring for everyone who had the opportunity to know her. I continued to be blessed once in awhile to see her, to visit with her, and to hear about her life due to my association with you, Kathy and Rick. I am extremely sorry that I was not able to attend her life celebration as I was away helping my husband to care for his father. However, I wanted to be there; she was in my heart throughout the day and will remain so throughout my life. All my love to you and all your family, Linda Hendry
Linda P Hendry
Sandy, UT