Renee Thomas Burgess passed away October 13, 2016, at the age of 92 surrounded by family. She was born August 1, 1924, at home in Pleasant View, Idaho. She was the second of seven children of Charles Edward and Viola Criesta Peterson Thomas.
Renee grew up on the family farm and was most content riding horses and doing chores with her dad. She was a homemaker, seamstress, singer and often times referee. She was devoted to the LDS Church and applied its teachings to how she lived her life.
After high school Renee worked at the Supply Depot in Ogden on large IBM data processing machines keeping track of war munition shipments. After the war Renee served an LDS mission in Western Canada. At the completion of her mission she remained in Canada briefly to enjoy the sites. As a tourist, Renee was introduced by the branch president's wife to the man she would marry. Thomas Arlo Burgess and Renee were married in the Logan Temple August 10, 1948. They were blessed with six children, and eventually settled and raised their family in Tooele, Utah.
Tom and Renee served an LDS Spanish speaking mission to Uruguay. Thereafter she was known as Madre to her family.
Renee is survived by her children, Lorita Beers, Marcia (Bruce) Bracken, Bruce (Lisa), Lisa (Brent) Black, Arlene (J.D.) Welch, Brad (Linda), and adopted daughter and friend from Alabama, Kay Yawn (Roll Tide!), 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way, sisters Hope Price, Gayle Walker and Polly Steenblik. Preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Criesta, brothers Charles and Mark, grandson Bradley Burgess, great-grandson Cadem Bracken.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy. A visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30pm prior to the services. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
We love you Mom. . . . "I loved you first."
