Barbara Burningham

Barbara Burningham passed away peacefully May 7, 2024. Barbara was born September 4, 1941, in Denver, Colorado. She was the second daughter to Harold “Woody” LeVoy Woodward and Donna Claire Geddes Woodward. She was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 
Barbara and her 3 sisters enjoyed living in many different towns, as their parents opened the chain of J.M. McDonalds stores across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. She enjoyed her Jr. High Years in Bozeman, MT, and spent her high school years in St. Anthony, Idaho. She played in the Pep Band and Marching Band. Barbara played many Percussion instruments: including the Marimba, Tympany, Xylophone, Bells, Drums, the big Bass drum, but most often she was on Snare drums. She also played the Clarinet and Piano.

She graduated from South Fremont High School, Class of 1959. She has fond memories of the hard work it took to get the Potato Harvest in. She earned money teaching swimming lessons in the Snake River. She also worked at the Roxy Theater while in High School. Barbara received a scholarship to attend RICKS College to study Accounting and participate in the Marching Band.
 
She married Ronald Wayne Parkinson in June of 1960. They had 2 daughters: Donna Marie and Jennie Lyn. They later divorced in 1965. Barbara worked for a Tax Accountant in Rexburg, Idaho, and for the Fremont County Treasurer. She also served as Interim Treasurer. Barbara and her 2 girls moved to Salt Lake City in 1967. Barbara bought her first home in Sandy, UT in 1969. She worked full time for Wycoff Trucking as an accountant and payroll specialist. She also continued her education receiving her degrees in Accounting and Business Management. Barbara enjoyed being a busy single mom for 10 years.
 
Through mutual friends in the bowling leagues, she would meet the perfect love of her life: Mark J. Burningham. They were married February 6, 1976. They quickly moved to their forever home in Bountiful, Utah. They enjoyed, trap shooting, bowling and golfing. They were faithful Utah Ute football fans.

Professionally, Barbara transitioned into purchasing - she was a very savvy buyer. She worked for Jerry Clegg Inc., buying materials for Oil Refineries and Tanks. She then worked for Eaton Kenway securing parts for Automation Systems. She would finish her career working for American Express and buying materials for creating secured Travelers Cheques.

Barbara was elected the first female President of the Utah Buyers Association. She went on to serve on the National Board as the first female Vice-President. Mark and Barbara enjoyed 44 years together. Sadly, Mark passed away in September 2020. Their sweet dog, Sophie, continued to be Barbara’s loyal companion.

Barbara’s oldest daughter, Donna suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for 28 years. She was a constant support to Donna all those years. This gave Barbara great purpose every day in her life until Donna passed away 1 year ago, April 2023.
 
Barbara suffered a stroke in January 2024, this left her unable to drive. The loss of independence was the most frustrating to her. This started the decline in her overall health. Barbara made the choice to go onto hospice. She made a to-do list and got to work. She spent the last two-weeks telling many of her loved ones how much they meant to her and that she was ready to go. She always took the lead, and she was in charge of her life, even to the end.
 
Barbara was loved, served, and watched over by her sweet ward members, Dixie Page and Leah Whitesides, and her dear neighbors Troy and Tammy Tonnensen. Our family is forever grateful for all their support.

Barbara is preceded in death by her Husband Mark J. Burningham, Daughter Donna McCormick, Parents Harold “Woody“ Woodward and Donna Woodward Williamsen. Her In-laws Jim and Esther Burningham, Son-in-law Jim D Brace, Brother-in-laws; Joseph Doherty and Lowell Burningham, and Sister-in-law Audrey Burningham Nelson.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Jennie (James) Robinson and their family Krystal (Bryan) Raisor, Steven (Shandee) Miller, Jeff Miller, Josh Robinson Jessica (West) Walker, Jenilee (Tyler) Caldwell, Jade (Cody Kunz) Robinson and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family of her daughter, Donna: Melissa (Nick) Whittington and Stanley Jr. (Bree) McCormick and 4 great-grandchildren.

Stepdaughter Holly Burningham and her daughter Cherie (Chris) Meyers and 2 great-grandchildren.

Her wonderful sisters: Marilyn Doherty, Eilene (Richard) Farmer, and Carol (Lynn) VanLeeuwen.

Please join us Thursday May 9, 2024, at the Russon Brothers Mortuary. There will be a viewing from 1:30 -2:00 p.m., following will be a service to honor her life. Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

Russon Brothers Mortuary
295 N Main Street
Bountiful, Utah

Bountiful City Cemetery
2224 S 200 W
Bountiful, Utah

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.