of Flippin, AR
February 1, 1946 - April 12, 2025
Ilona Burton passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was born in Gregory, Arkansas on Friday, February 1, 1946, to the late Lester and Irene Irby. Ilona was a hard worker. She worked at Bobby Brooks for over twenty years before transferring to Swift Eckrich Meat packing plant in Illinois where she retired. Ilona was a loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed drawing, fishing and being with her friends and family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Irene Irby; daughter, Melissa Faye Burton; brother, Author Irby.
Ilona is survived by her sister, Mary Parks of St. Charles, Illinois; brothers, Larry Irby and Marlin Irby of Elgin, Illinois; daughters, Tammy Ellis (Mike) of Flippin, Arkansas and Sheila Abrams (Eric) of Hazen, Arkansas; son, Cecil Burton, Jr. (Lisa) of Kingston, Illinois; seven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers will be Cecil Burton, Cecil Ellis, Jamie Finley and Eric Abrams.
A visitation for Ilona Burton will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19,2025 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Central Cemetery in Lexa, Arkansas. Lynn Corbitt will give words of endearment.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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10 Condolence(s)
Diana McDermott
Friday, April 18, 2025
Prayers for the family and friends Knew This Beautiful Lady My Whole Life Tammy and Shelia Y'all Are In My Prayers
Lela Irby-cintron ( niece)
Friday, April 18, 2025
Auntie I can't process you not being here. You were my second mama. I'm still numb but break down if I hear Bob Seger or The Eagles. Your beautiful tan skin and silver and turquoise jewelry.
Those beautiful high cheekbones. The stories of your childhood and playing in the woods. You're the most beautiful person! We spent so much time talking and talking. I'll miss you forever. I'll miss you forever....You taught me about love and loss and how to be a lady. I'm so extremely sorry that I'm not near.I can hear your voice in my head right now. You never liked Easter anyway. Sheila, sis...Cecil! Tammy I love you all and my heart is breaking with yours.
Ruperto (popi) Cintron
Friday, April 18, 2025
Love you forever Aunt Ilona.
My condolences
Larry Irby
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Sis ,I’m sorry I’m not there but you know me and my heart,you always understood,I will miss you for the rest of my life and I will see you again ,so it’s just so long for now ,love your baby brother.
Marlin Irby (Larry Irby )
Thursday, April 17, 2025
So much I wanna say but your not here to say it to ,the memories,we have so many,living in West Memphis with you ,we had so much fun ,you made me feel like I was home ,you are not my sister in law,you are my sister,you will always be in my heart,
Mary Parks
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Sis you are in my thoughts every day..you will always be with me ..love you for eternity and always
JudieRose akin
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Sending Love of Many condolences to my friend’s Family ! Ilona was a beautiful woman,, she will be forever remembered & We will always cherish our memories from School & Over the years!!” Rest Well ! In presence of Our Lord Jesus!!Amen
Mary Parks
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Mary and Jamie family
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
We love you grandmal!!! You will always be with us in our hearts!
Debbie Henson Self
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Sheila and Tammy, you are both in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time for your family.