Thursday, December 11, 2025 11:59 am

Barbara Gail Franklin Auten, 73, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at her home in Shelby, NC. Born in Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Eli Calvin Franklin and Betty Lou Head Franklin-Breakfield. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Terry F. LaMountain.
Barbara was a member of New Buffalo Baptist Church in Shelby and retired from Cheyenne International in Grover, NC. She worked as a housekeeper and enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains of Tennessee.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Alan Judson Auten; her daughter, Connie Sisk (Scott); her son, Tony Burns(Tracey); and four grandchildren: Bradley Thompson, Jordon Thompson, April Burns, and Michael Burns. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren; four step-sons: A.J., Jordan, Taylor, and Caleb; and her beloved emotional support dog, Oliver.
Additional survivors include her sisters Tina Huffstettler (Wayne) and Donna Nichols, along with a host of loving nieces and nephews.
To honor the life of Barbara, a graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM at Cleveland Memorial Park on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Reverend Adam Green will be officiating. The family will receive friends after the graveside service.
Memorial donations may be made to Clifford's Army Rescue at cliffordsarmyrescue.com.
Online condolences may be shared at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com. Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.