Patty Lou Burleson
Patty Lou Burleson passed away at her home with family by her side on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 87. Patty was born on May 24, 1937, to William and Beatrice (Overla) Hart in Mason, MI. She grew up a farmer’s daughter alongside her younger sister Karen and cousin Gary. It’s there that she developed a lifelong passion for horses. On a family hunting trip to Harrison, she met her future husband, Clyde Burleson. They married on July 24, 1954. They lived for a time in Eaton Rapids, before settling back in Mason at the home Clyde built for her just a few houses down from where she grew up. They had 4 children and often opened their home to family and friends. They threw many memorable parties where everyone gathered in the garage and the yard to talk, played a game of softball or volleyball, and enjoyed a pig roast. Patty enjoyed gardening, working out to her Richard Simmons tapes, the music of Elvis, painting, cooking, and baking. A renowned cake baker and decorator, she baked cakes for many including family events and milestones. Patty was a 4-H leader and the whole family could be found each summer at the Ingham County Fair. She was often a judge for the 4-H cake contests. Through the years, the fair continued to be a family event where she would buy wristbands for all the grandchildren. Her famous dishes include apple goodie, balloons, cinnamon rolls, cookies, homemade noodles, and she even made a brandy slush every Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve at Grandma’s was a large event, where the whole family came to her house to enjoy the holiday together. Each year, they prepared for the event by holding a candy making day at her house, creating many tasty treats including hard candy. Patty’s whole world was caring for her family. She babysat many of her grandchildren while they were young, spoiling them and providing a loving presence. Each holds special memories of their time at grandma’s house in their heart.
Patty is survived by her sister Karen (Bill) DeTemple; children, Susan (Steve) Pifer, Julie (Rick) Rice, and Tim (Lana) Burleson; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren (one on the way); one great-great-grandchild (two on the way); three nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde; son, William Burleson; granddaughter, Shannon Rice and great-grandson, Daniel Huttenga.
Funeral Services took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at noon. She will be laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Patty Lou Burleson. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.