Obituary for Arda Rae Burington

Arda Rae Burington, 79, of Strawberry Point, IA passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on February 28, 2022.  She was able to remain in the comfort of her own home after becoming ill, thanks to the care and compassion she received from Gundersen Palmer Hospice and the support of her children.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Lamont Legion Hall.  The eulogy will be delivered by Pastor Roland Waterman starting at 3:00 PM, followed by a meal with family and friends.       

Arda, daughter of Charles and Betty (Bruner) Popham was the oldest of their six children.  She was born on March 15, 1942, at their farmhouse in Lamont, Iowa.  She grew up in rural Lamont and graduated from Lamont High School, class of 1959.  She was a member of the Strawberry Point, United Methodist Church.   

Arda and her adoring husband, Ronald Burington were united in marriage on March 18, 1961. To this union were born two children, Valerie, and Timothy.  The couple were longtime residents of Strawberry Point, Iowa.  For a few years they lived in Belmont, WI and moved back to Strawberry Point after Ron retired from managing the Terra Fertilizer Plant.

Arda worked at Oelwein City Laundry, Franklin Hotel, and the Hi-way Café before opening her own restaurant, Arda’s Café in Strawberry Point, IA.  She worked at Strawberry Foods before becoming self-employed.  Arda and Ron enjoyed traveling around N.E. Iowa and Wisconsin operating a cotton candy/popcorn stand at fairs.  The couple started their own business, Bur’s Distributing and sold industrial products in Iowa and surrounding states.  She loved babysitting and taking care of her grandchildren for many years.  

Arda enjoyed life and will be remembered most for her unforgettable sweet laugh.  She enjoyed spending time with her family celebrating special occasions and going to all of the grandchildren’s sporting events.  She had many friends that she remained in close contact with throughout her life.  Her hobbies included gardening, golfing, fishing, playing cards, and going to garage sales with a couple of her best friends.  Ron and Arda enjoyed traveling and fishing trips with family and friends at Outers Resort in Chetek, WI.

Arda is survived by her children, Valerie Timmerman of Strawberry Point and Timothy (Billie) Burington of Lamont.  Her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  Her brother, Roger Popham of Strawberry Point, IA.  Her sister, Ann (Rick) Breitsprecher of Arlington, IA.   Her sister in-laws, Brenda Popham and Carol Popham both of Lamont, IA, and Joyce Burington of Arlington, IA, and brother in-law, Eldo Burington of Cedar Rapids, IA.