Eileen Mitton Burbank

Eileen Thorpe Mitton Burbank was born in Logan, Utah on December 12, 1942, to Lorenzo Hawkins Mitton and Julia Wyatt Thorpe Mitton. After her birth, the family, including Eileen’s sister, Annette, traveled back to their home in Vallejo, California. Eileen was blessed to live close to several aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom she formed strong bonds and lasting memories. In the summers, the family traveled back to Cache Valley to visit other extended family members.

After graduating from high school in Vallejo, Eileen studied elementary education at Brigham Young University where she met and married Norman L. Peterson. She taught 7th grade in Salem, Utah for one year before starting her family. Eileen and Norm share three children Julianne, Stephanie, and Bret. Eileen taught school for several years in Granite School District before the family moved to West Chester, Ohio. During their six years in Ohio, Eileen and Norm divorced. 

Eileen and the children then relocated to her grandparents’ old farmhouse in Wellsville, Utah. Although funds, time, and energy were slim, Eileen made sure the family had enough—enough of her time, her love, her strength, and her support. With much sacrifice, she provided for the necessities and some of the wants. While her children participated in marching band, she attended every competition and came up with ways for the family to raise money to allow them to participate in all the band trips. She was their biggest cheerleader.

Eventually, Eileen began teaching for Box Elder School District. She taught at Snowville Elementary, Central Elementary, and finally Lakeview Elementary. Most of her 39 years as a teacher were spent teaching 3rd grade. She was a beloved teacher and colleague, nurturing children, inspiring confidence, and creating a classroom where students learned to love learning. Eileen’s “kids” knew they were important, and they knew they were loved. 

On February 16, 1991, Eileen married Brian Burbank in the Logan Temple. Brian has four children: Bradley, Brenda, Bridget, and Brett. They lived in Deweyville, Utah for a short time and then moved back to Wellsville. Together they raised a few cats and miniature horses. Eileen loved animals and was so happy when there was a new “baby” born, especially if she could hold and cuddle it. Eileen and Brian built onto the farmhouse and made a huge family room to allow for family get-togethers. The grandkids, and great nieces and nephews loved coming to Wellsville to get rides in the mini horse driven cart, go shopping at the dollar store, douse Grandma in water fights, and vie to win the pie eating contest. 

Eileen is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved serving in different capacities including callings in Relief Society, Primary, and activities. She wrote skits and parodies of songs that left ward members in stitches. She and Brian loved their “empty nesters” family home evening group and they both agree that serving in the nursery is the best calling in the church. 

Eileen (80) passed away on August 8, 2023, at her home in Wellsville. We know the reunion with her parents, her sister, Annette, and other loved ones has been monumental. She is survived by her husband, Brian; children, Julianne (Daryl), Stephanie (Monte), Bret (Kelly), Brad (Lisa), Brenda (Scotty), Bridget (Gordon), and Brett; 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. 

The honor, privilege, and memories of caring for Eileen during the last year will never be duplicated. What a beautiful time it has been in our lives! We are so grateful to those who have shared memories, and who have selflessly served and loved. 

There will be a viewing held Sunday evening (August 13^th) from 6-8 pm at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan, Utah. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 14^th at 11:00 am at the Wellsville 7^th Ward Building, 660 South 100 West in Wellsville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services at the same address between 9:30 and 10:30 am.

The funeral services will be broadcast via the following link (passcode: Burbank)

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS LIVESTREAM