Shirley Reynolds Burnside

Shirley Reynolds Burnside slipped quietly away in the early morning hours of Friday, November 8. She finally was able to transcend the limitations imposed by over 20 years of Parkinson’s Disease and reunite with her high school sweetheart and eternal love. What an exuberant and joyous reunion she and Roger must have had!! Her resilience and patience were such an inspiration to all who knew her. She may have been small in stature, but her spirit was strong and true.

Shirley was born to Isaac Elmo Reynolds and Nida Swain in Chester, Sanpete County, Utah, on October 7, 1938. The firstborn of the family, she had opportunities to exemplify many wonderful character traits to her family. At a very early age, she determined to start attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints by herself. She would arise early Sunday morning and start walking down the dirt lane in front of the house. She hoped a neighbor might drive by and give her a ride to the chapel nearly one mile away. In time, her parents and siblings decided to also become actively involved with her in the church.

In high school, she fell “head over hills” for a young man named Roger Burnside. They soon married and moved to the big city of Salt Lake. They immediately started a family that quickly grew to five children. Another son had died while only 2 days old. The family later moved to Cottonwood Heights where they enjoyed a large lot with horses, a garden, and a small barn. Shirley kept busy taking care of her children and working in various church callings. She worked in the primary presidency and labored in other ward

and stake leadership.

In 1975, the family moved to Sandy. There another daughter was born and Shirley lived for the remainder of her life. She continued to work in the church and spent an incredible amount of time working on genealogy. She really connected with several ancestors and brought their stories to life. Due to her dedication, many other family members made sweet eternal connections also.

Shirley enriched our lives with her many talents and gifts. She loved to write and even published a few children’s books late in life. Her kindness and love of children was evident in the daycare she operated in the home for several years. She loved to cook and hosted many wonderful parties, especially during the Christmas season. She always had a long list of projects that involved sewing, quilting, or crocheting. She constantly worked to improve herself and learn new things.

To the very end, family always came first. Each thought or action was intended to create a bond, heal a wound, or lift a lost soul. She was dedicated to the idea of eternal families. She loved her Savior and realized his role in preserving an everlasting bond between those she loved most. She is loved dearly and will be missed beyond measure!!

She is survived by her brother Boyd, sisters Karen, Lorraine, and Annette; children David (Pamela), Laura, Bradley (Lesli), Jennifer (Richard), Marilee (Bruce), and Stephanie (Jon). Also survived by 26 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roger, son Karl, grandson Timothy, and son in law Dan Richmond.

We owe a debt of deep gratitude to her caregivers for the last few years. Many have provided loving and gentle care. Thank you for your kind service!

A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, from 5-7 p m on Sunday, November 17. Additional viewing from 10-10:45 a. m. the following morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints meeting house, 9119 S. 1300 E. Sandy. The funeral will follow at 11 a. m. Graveside dedication will be at the Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County cemetery at approximately 3:30 p m.

To watch a recording of the service via zoom, please click on the tab above that says "Watch Service".