Diane Burtrum

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Diane Burtrum of Springdale, Arkansas, loving wife and mother passed away at age 81. Diane Adelle (Killion) Burtrum, was born March 4, 1942, in Sweet Springs, Missouri to John “Clay” and Roberta Adelle “Bobadell” (Gauldin) Killion. She was the oldest of four children and growing up on a farm learned domestic duties early. She was an excellent cook, always generous with the butter, and rarely happier than when showing people her love through food at a beautifully set table. Diane’s pursuit of music started as a young girl where she learned to accompany her music minister father on the piano. She further developed her musical talent at Oklahoma Baptist University where she received her degree in Music and was a member of the Bison Glee Club as a little sister. Some of her fondest memories came from her time as a college student spent touring with the USO through Asia. Diane married Steve Burtrum on November 27, 1964. They raised two sons, Todd and Cory, and two daughters, Mia and Kara. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love of family was her top priority. She would do anything for the people she loved. It seemed like she had an endless well of energy to work full time, run a household, keep commitments to her church, and still give freely of herself to friends and family. Diane’s passion for music was shared from 1968-2007 as an elementary music teacher. She retired from Shiloh Christian School after 16 years. She was an accomplished singer, pianist, and director of many musical productions. Her creativity extended to floral arranging and decorating for every holiday. She was a warm, caring and affectionate person with a kind word and friendly smile. She was a member of Cross Church and was a follower of Christ. Her love for Jesus showed through in the countless lives she touched. Her life verse was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Even through sickness, memory loss, and total dependence on others, she would urge you to put your faith in Jesus. Diane was preceded in death by her wonderful parents Clay and Bobadell Killion, her brothers, Bob and Jim. She is survived by her husband, Steve, her children, James “Todd” Burtrum of Atlanta, GA, Douglas “Cory” Burtrum and wife Amy of Springdale, AR, Mia Standard and husband Eric of Rogers, AR, Kara Russow and husband BJ of Springdale, AR; grandchildren, Brooke Burtrum, Clay and Allie Burtrum, Aubrey and Brynn Standard, Harper and Rex Russow; sister, Nina Tanner and husband Greg; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2023 at 2 PM at Cross Church Springdale with Charlie Foster officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 1 PM at the church. Interment will be at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 15, 2023 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Willard Walker Hospice House (325 Longview St, Fayetteville, AR 72703) for providing incredible end of life care. Online condolences can be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

Diane Burtrum

March 4, 1942 - June 13, 2023