Ursula "Sue" Burton

04/01/1929 - 01/24/2026

Mrs. Ursula Edwina "Sue" Burton (née Ayers), age 96, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born on April 1, 1929, in Oxford, Ohio, Sue lived a life marked by deep devotion to family, community, and education.
Sue was born in Oxford, Ohio where she met the love of her life and future husband, Tirrel Burton. Their bond began in childhood and blossomed into a marriage that spanned 66 years. Together, they raised two children-Ellen Burton and Mark Burton-and built a life filled with purpose and connection. As Tirrel's coaching career took the family across various cities through the 1960's, they eventually settled in Ann Arbor in 1970, where Sue would remain for the next 56 years.
A dedicated and proud member of the Ann Arbor Public School system, Sue began her career at Bach Elementary in the early 1970s. She later joined the pioneering staff at Community High School before moving on to Clague Middle School where she would spend the rest of her career. In each of these roles, in each of these places, she forged loving and enduring bonds with both faculty and students-many of which would continue for the rest of her life. Her presence left an indelible mark on generations of learners and colleagues alike.
Sue was also a devoted member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Ann Arbor for over four decades. Her participation in the church's choir, committees and causes reflected her love for music and community worship. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and a source of strength not only for herself, but for those around her. She had a gift for forming lasting connections and was never hesitant to speak her mind when it came to matters of right and wrong.
As "Aunt Sue," she was cherished by an extended network of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and "adopted" family members, all of whom she loved dearly.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Ellen Burton; son, Mark Burton; nieces, Charlotte Strowhorn, Sheryl "Tanny" (Ayers) Perkins, Martina (Laster) Farrar, Unice "Sissy" (Laster) McCollum, and Sonya (Laster) Parker; nephews, Clifford Ayers, Percy Strowhorn, and Michel Strowhorn; as well as many beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tirrel Burton; her parents, Minnie (Kinley) Ayers and William Clifford Ayers; sisters, Charlotte (Ayers) Strowhorn and Mercedes (Ayers) Laster; and brother, Walter Fredrick Ayers.
Throughout her life, Sue exemplified compassion, conviction, and community spirit. Her home was always open to others-whether it be neighbors from down the street, friends made through her husband's work as a football coach at the University of Michigan or the stranger in need. Her legacy is one of love freely given and deeply returned.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a funeral service beginning at Noon, at Zion Lutheran Church 1501 W. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Interment will follow immediately thereafter at Washtenong Memorial Park - 3771 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.