Leota Belle Burger

Leota Belle Burger, 84, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2017 at her La Junta home. She was born on October 5, 1933 in Hoopup, Colorado to Boyd D. & Gladys E. (Oglesby) Jones.

Leota was raised in Las Animas and graduated from Las Animas High School. She married Daniel W. Burger in 1951. They made their home in La Junta and raised their children. They later divorced in 1973, after which Leota continued to make La Junta her home until her death.

Leota worked all of her adult life in several entities including Otero County Commissioners office, Fort Lyon VA Hospital, Otero Savings and Loan Assn., and the City of La Junta, from which she retired. Her biggest joy was being with her family. She was one of 10 siblings and valued the times that allowed them to gather and enjoy family time.

She is survived by her children, Michael W. Burger of Palm Springs, CA; Julie L. Wilson of Woodland Park, CO and Dorothy L. Burnett of La Junta, CO; grandchildren, Joshua (Erin) Harris, Nicolas Harris, Nathaniel Wilson, and many great grandchildren; three brothers, Kenneth (Ruth) Jones of Houston, TX; Peter Jones of Kingman, AZ and Jim (Nancy) Jones of San Diego, CA; step-grandchildren, Kimberly Schmitz and Shelly (Don) Kuhns. She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd D. and Gladys Jones, her loving stepmother, Ruth E. Jones, brothers, Ron, Sam, and Dan Jones, and sisters, Eldora Dean, Vera Mann and Shirley Ehrlich and sons-in-law C. Wes Wilson and Richard Burnett. Also preceding her in death is Pete Peters, her common-law husband of 27 years.

As per Leota’s request cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dr. M.J. Romano of the First Presbyterian Church officiating.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to either Ark Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO 81050 or to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 1207 Pueblo Blvd Way. Pueblo, CO 81005 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.