Karen C. Burton

Karen Chewning Burton, 63 of Salem passed away Saturday , March 23, 2024 at Pheasant Ridge Nursing Home after a lengthy battle with kidney failure.  Karen was a devoted, loving mother, trusted friend and lifelong member of Salem Church of Christ. Karen was a long term employee of the LewisGale Health system, working in many different departments and positions in her 25+ year career there.  She retired from the Hematology and Oncology department where she was the greeting voice and face as the Medical Office Specialist.  Karen was an avid Jeopardy fan, watching every night and playing along and even against those who were there to watch with her.  She also loved gardening, making her own compost to nurture the tomatoes, herbs, spices and catnip she grew every year. Karen was a lifelong lover of cooking. Always buying new cookbooks, dishes, and gadgets to try out new delicious recipes. Karen was an animal lover her entire life, always having beloved family pets.  Most recently her cat Goldie and the family dog Chloe. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents John H. Chewning and Bettye M. Chewning, and infant sister Deborah Annette Chewning  of Salem.  Karen is survived by her two loving daughters Emily A. Burton of Salem, Mary E. Burton of Salem, two grandsons Matthew and Mason, devoted ex-husband Ron Burton of Salem and many other family and friends. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 1-2pm at Salem Church of Christ.  The funeral service will begin at 2pm at Salem Church of Christ with David Workman officiating.  Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park.