Arlee Rylander Barton

Arlee Rylander Barton, 99, of Burnet passed away August 27, 2020. She was born June 9, 1921 in Buda to Lon and Drue Rylander.

Arlee attended Buda schools and graduated as Salutatorian of her class in 1939. In September she entered the University of Texas and received her B.S. degree in Home Economics in June 1943 during WWII. She was elected to teach Home Economics at Burnet High School. Total years was 31 in Burnet, 1 in Bertram, and 1 in Briggs. She retired in 1982 to take care of her husband Wayne.

Arlee was Outstanding Teacher ’68-’69 and the Bulldog annual was dedicated to her. In 1983, she started with the All School Reunions and was “roasted” in 2010. Arlee produced a video of Burnet schools from 1944 – 1985. A copy of the video is in the Burnet County Library.

On November 9, 1947, Arlee and Wayne A Barton were married after he was in the service for 4 years. They later moved to their place at Shady Grove. Their daughter Patricia was born June 1949. The 50‘s drought came and they both had to hunt for jobs, Wayne was appointed Burnet County Clerk and Arlee taught in Briggs.

Arlee was a member of the Pen Chat Club Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma and TRS. In 2011 she was honored to be Burnet Citizen of the Year.

Arlee joined the Burnet Methodist Church in July 1943 and has been active singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and helping with MYF was historian and published the first History Book of the Burnet Church. She was selected Woman of the Year in 2002. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and other things. In the early 50’s she was president of the American Legion Auxiliary and put together a cookbook. After retirement she volunteered to help work on the Burnet Planning and Zoning Committee, EMS Board, worked over 15 years for the Library Thrift Shop and City Water Board. This past February Arlee was presented to the Burnet CISD Hall of Honor as the 2020 Distinguished Former Burnet CISD employee.

Arlee is survived by her daughter Pat Thurman (Keith) of Burnet, granddaughters Carla Rhymes (Jesse), Sandy Dewbre (Brandon) and Cindy Wallace (Kory). Great grandchildren are Brett, Chelsey, Kyle, Ty, Cutter, Brooke and Conner. Arlee also has 8 great-great grandchildren. She loved her family, her students, church and everyone she met.

A visitation for family and friends was held Sunday, Aug. 30, from 6-8 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. Her funeral service was conducted Monday, Aug. 31, at the chapel of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home with Reverend Jason Teague officiating. Pallbearers were Brandon Dewbre, Kyle Brizendine, Ty Chambers, Cutter Dewbre, Conner Keele, Brett Springer, Kory Wallace, and Jack Jordan. Honorary pallbearers were Kent Rylander, Tony Rylander, Charles Rylander, Larry Barton, Jack Cauthen, and Barto Arnold.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions should be made to your favorite charity or organization. Condolences may be offered to clementswilcoxburnet.com.