Ada Shuffield Burton

Ada Virginia Ketzscher Shuffield Burton passed away August 15, 2012 at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ada, fondly known as “A” was born July 25, 1917 to E.L. and Ollie Shelton Ketzscher in the Levy section of North Little Rock. “A” was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers and sisters of the Ketzscher Klan; Jack, Bryon, Billy, and Louie Ketzscher, Adeline Little, Dorothy Schwarz, Marie Oholendt and Pauline Smith, her first husband Dr. Elvin Shuffield, his parents Dr. Joe and Candice Tollett Shuffield, his sister Jo Renee Nieson.

“A” is survived by her four children Joe, Carolyn (Gary) Lay, Linda, Elvin, Jr. (Cheryl) and their children Christian (Bridgette) Shuffield, Kymberly Shoemaker, Kara Wright, Lindsay (Elton) Conrady, Elaine (Josh) King, Jason (Julie) Boyeskie and ten great grandchildren.

After schooling “A” worked in merchandising and management for a millinery store, obviously where she honed her skills as a consummate shopper who kept her husband and children appropriately attired. An original shop till you drop person “A” would never be seen out without hosiery and high heels and only donned flats around the house where she was the ultimate homemaker, excellent cook with family meals held at the appointed time. “A” maintained what many considered one of the most beautiful back yards, whether at the kid’s childhood home on Ranch Valley, their home on Pleasant Valley golf course or her and David’s lake house on Greer’s Ferry. Prior to having children, “A” also worked for her husband and his father, Dr. Joe Shuffield, as the receptionist and office manager of their Orthopedic Medicine Clinic. After Dr. Elvin’s death in 1985 “A” spent countless hours doing volunteer work at Baptist Medical Center where she made lifelong friends of fellow volunteers.

“A” was blessed to find a second love of her life, David Paul Burton, a neighboring widower. They were wed in June of 1995 with D. P. adding four sons to the family; Bruce (Diane), Jim (Mary), Steve (Teresa), Richard, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. ‘A’ is also survived by a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

D.P. provided for “A” in so many ways during her later years. She and D.P. often made trips to great places here and abroad. They also plunged into projects of improving the landscaping of a lot on Greers Ferry Lake where their weekend cottage was located. Her zest for life was never abated.

‘A’ was a devout member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ.

Funeral arrangements are being made through Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300, with a visitation on the evening of August 17th between 5:00 and 7:00. The service will be held at the funeral home 10:30 Saturday morning. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Special thanks to Angels of Arkansas whose owner Melanie Smith and caregivers gave so much expertise, patience and loving care to Ada in her last years. Also to be thanked is Arkansas Hospice for their professional service and caring staff.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.