Rita Burton

PRINCETON - Rita Gail Burton, 81, of Princeton, passed away peacefully with family by her side Friday, February 6, 2026. Born September 8, 1944, in McComas, she was the daughter of the late Troy and Gracie Walker Huffman.

Rita was a member of Johston Chapel Baptist Church. She graduated from Matoaka High School. She retired from First Community Bank after 50 years. She enjoyed bowling, canning, and crafting but her favorite past time was watching her grandkids.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Lou Johnston; in-laws, Gussie Burton, Sr. and his wife, Emma; brother, Bobby Huffman; and sisters, Eleanor Thompson, and Barbara Spradlin.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 57 years Gussie Burton, Jr; daughter, Kelli Via and husband Chuck; son-in-law, Mike Johnston; grandchildren who held a special place in her heart, Kyle Johnston, Ethan Roberts, Chase Roberts, Kylie Roberts, Brayden Via, Elijah Via, and Tasha Bullins; brother, Lonnie Huffman, Sr. and wife Ann; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Dan Thyng and Dr. John King, officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Ethan Roberts, Chase Roberts, Tommy Burton, Jr., Mike Johnston, Brian Taylor, and Steve Robinette will serve as pallbearers. Roy Roberts, Jr. will serve as honorary pallbearer.

The family will receive visitors from 11:30 a.m. until the service hour.

Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.