Heather K. (Degarmo) Burton

Heather Kathleen DeGarmo Burton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17 at Altercare nursing home.

Born on Monday, November 3, 1952, Heather became the only daughter to Rowland “Rody” Adair DeGarmo and Phyllis Elaine (Elliott) DeGarmo. Instantly becoming a little sister to her older brother, Stewart Keith DeGarmo. Growing up in the Duncan Falls United Methodist Church for over 70 years Heather had a strong knowledge for faith and was a testament to living that life.

Graduate of Philo High School, class of 1970. She told many stories of leading the PHS marching band across the football field as the baton twirling majorette that she was. After attending high school Heather graduated and attended Muskingum Area Technical School. She along with many other female students were “unlucky” culprits of the schools mascot MONADO. As the cub would wander into the classrooms and then snag the ladies hosiery. Obtaining her licensed practical nursing degree in 1971 was one of her multiple accomplishments.

Heather found her love nursing at Bethesda Hospital in Zanesville Ohio. For over 47 years, she dedicated her career and countless white nursing shoes to the thousands of lives she helped in many ways. From adding extra warm blankets to patients while waiting for surgery, giving hundreds of first baths to new babies, to holding the hand of the patients that were taking their last breath, so they knew that they were not alone.

The biggest source of joy in her life were children and the life that they built. Mother to three fiercely, independent and strong-willed daughters, she had her hands full from the start. But for every dance class in Philo, beauty pageants across the state, softball game, 4H meeting, band practice, choir rehearsal, drama performance, swim meet, cheer competition, and waffle wagon volunteer hour, she was there. Heather could tell you which bus to ride, what stadium had the best shredded chicken and could remember each costume, uniform and each activity.

Heather was devoted to her Eastern Star Olive Branch Chapter #251 for over 50 years and gaining her 50-year pen just months ago. She also belonged to the Ohio White Shrine of Jerusalem, for over 30 years, giving selflessly as a travel nurse for the shrine and helping others. Heather also helped to establish the parent support group in 1980 after losing her twin sons in 1979.

Leaving behind to carry on her memory and devotion to others are her three daughters Brooke (Bruce) Carpenter, Margo (Richard) Maxwell, and Adrienne (Judson) Bradley. Grandchildren, Jackson (Shyenne Swartz) Wright, Carly Fitz, Jenna Carpenter, Jordan Fitz, Julia Carpenter, Abigail and Alyse Bradley. Great granddaughters, Lynden and Leia Wright, and Bella Swartz. In addition to her brother Keith DeGarmo, former husband, Robert (Bob and Beth) Burton, first best friend Debbie Moyer Newton, sister-in-law, Pamela DeGarmo, nephew, Sandy DeGarmo, and niece Nicole Price, with a host of family, friends and coworkers.

Heather was proceeded in death by her father Rody DeGarmo, mother Phyllis DeGarmo, infant brother John DeGarmo and her infant twin sons, Ryan and Randall Burton.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Heather are invited to attend her memorial service Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 from 4-6 pm at the Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls to reminisce, grieve, support and celebrate her life.

www.farusfh.com