Mary LaVon passed away September 13, 2021, at the vivacious age of 87. LaVon was born January 22, 1934, to Melvin and Alta Burningham in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the tender age of 17 she fell head over heels with Jay L. Memmott and married her sweetheart for time and all eternity. For over 70 years together they traveled the world, crafted, painted, puzzled, gardened, dreamed, loved and lived life to the absolute fullest.
The difficulty in writing an obituary is that the family is left behind to put together this perfectly pieced timeline of every accomplishment and worthwhile event in our loved one’s life. But the truth is simple. LaVon lived a wonderful life filled with adventure, compassion, class, empathy and unconditional love with her adoring husband, beautiful children, and stunning grandchildren. LaVon was unbelievably compassionate, and her heart knew how to listen without judgments or limits. Through hugs, kisses, support, life lessons, discipline, hard work, caring, laughing, crying, living, and dying LaVon gave herself to all of us and in doing so taught us all how to live brighter and better lives.
Preceded in death by her loving mom Atla V. Davis, whom she cherished and missed for so much of her life, her adoring father Melvin E. Burningham and big brothers Gordon and Keith.
LaVon’s loving memory will be cherished and kept alive by her eternal companion and sweetheart Jay Memmott, daughters; Rachelle (Lance) McRae, Roxanne (Dannie) Pollock, RaNae (Craig) Zimmerman; son, Darin (Brenda) Memmott, 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate LaVon’s life at a viewing from 6:00-8:00pm on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) in Sandy, UT. Funeral Services will be held Monday Sept 20, 2021, at 2:00pm also at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm. Interment to follow services at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 East 7800 South in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Luncheon to follow for the family at the LDS chapel on 6634 S. Greeenfield Way, Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121.
In memory of LaVon, our fashion icon, feel free to brighten up the room with colors and style that would make her smile!
Funeral Services will be streamed via Zoom for those not able to attend in person. In order to view the services, you will need your own Zoom account and you will need to be logged in. To view watch the services, click the "Watch Services" link above.
Rachelle, our hearts are aching for you, it's never easy to let our parents go. We hope you will find your comfort in the many wonderful memories of your mom. Please know that you'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Mara & Boyd
Rachelle and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s beyond difficult to lose someone who seems to be the force holding the family unit together. Those wonderful shared times and memories of her will always be there for you to relish. Love Bonnie Bateman Brijs
So very saddened by this news. We love you all and pray for the comforter to be with you as long as you need. She lived a delightful full life. Raised great children. Enjoy your memories and cherish. Our love to all.
Note we’d like to come but will be in Colorado. 😞
LaVon you will be so missed, my friend, my neighbor. I will miss our discussions on world events, gardening, children and politics. Our conversation were never judgmental, often uplifting and inspirational. Thank you for your friendship.
I love her sass and hair 💁🏻♀️
I know she’ll be watching over the whole family!
Elisa:
Just heard about your Grandmother.
Sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry about LaVon’s passing. She was a wonderful person, sweet and kind. She was so good to Jeannie, she came to see her every week, and Jean loved her for that and so much more. Scott will miss seeing her at the center. We know that Dad and LaVon had fun playing tricks on each other, She will be missed. Love Scott and Trudy
Dearest Renae and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was the kindest happiest woman I knew. I hope that you feel love and comfort from those who also loved your mother. Hugs to you all. Karla
Dear Uncle Jay and family... Words can't express how hard it is to lose the love of your life! The magnitude of the pain of the loss matches the magnitude of the LOVE. I'm so sorry... You're all in my heart and prayers. Love... Deb
To say my heart is broken would be an understatement... but while it is, I KNOW what a reunion LaVon is having with my mom Jean and my other mom Kona Mar.. My three moms back together. I can hear them laughing, telling jokes and shopping.. My L0VE goes to the Memmott family. So many fond memories for many decades. I had to mess her hair up (just a little) one last time.
My family and I enjoyed Darin growing up. He was my brother, Kurt's best friend. I remember my mom visiting with LaVon at their house down the street. Jay and LaVon's house was always so pretty inside and out. And LaVon always looked like a million bucks with her great style.