Marcene Burns

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marcene Elaine Lewis Burns, peacefully passed away on February 16, 2024. Marty was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on May 18, 1925, to Violet and Oliver Daniel Hendrickson. She had five sisters: Virginia, Gladys, Shirley, Jean, and Joyce. Marty was raised in Idaho Falls. Her father owned a fuel and oil distributorship during the early nineteen thirties, and she drove a delivery truck for him when she was a teenager. She spent as much time as possible in the family cabin at Mack's Inn in Island Park, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1943. Here she studied acting, hoping to pursue this as a career but decided she wanted to have a family instead. She briefly attended Brigham Young University, but graduated from Utah State University with degrees in English and Home Economics. While attending college in Logan, she met Reid Evans Lewis (the son of Ted and Virginia Evans Lewis). They married in Idaho Falls on April 11, 1947. They had four children: Karin, Reid, William, and Barbara. Together, Marty and Reid raised their children in Idaho Falls. 

She served frequently as a substitute teacher at the high school and offered her time as a judge for high school debates. Her passions were her children and baking. Marty was also a prolific public speaker for various organizations she believed in and was a natural at hosting charity events. She produced a cooking show on KID television and also produced commercials for various sponsors on that same station. 

Marty loved to go against the grain of expectations. At a time when it was not normal for married women to have jobs outside the home, she hosted a very popular radio talk show for seven years (1962-1969) called “Party Line”, on KTEE radio. Callers would phone in to Marty and voice their opinions on assorted subjects. On air they shared a lively back and forth exchange. She interviewed distinguished foreign diplomats and celebrities, including  American country singer-songwriter Willie Nelson. Her husband, Reid, was proud of her opinions and her independence. They loved entertaining friends, spending summers at the family cabin, and were dedicated tournament golfers. Reid passed on July 8, 1969. Marty was sealed to Reid in the Timpanogos Temple. 

Following Reid's death, Marty moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, to raise her two youngest children. After years there, she rekindled a friendship with Owen Burns, and they married in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Marty and Owen moved to Sisters, Oregon, and lived in a home on 5-acres in the mountains. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and glamping. While Owen pursued his passion of rockhounding and jewelry-making, Marty tended a large garden, enjoyed sewing, and happily drove across several states to visit her grandchildren as often as possible. Owen passed on March 7, 2002. Marty spent years living in her mountain home, chopping her own firewood well into her eighties until moving to Salt Lake City, Utah to be closer to her children and grandchildren. 

Marty loved travel and adventure. She was able to experience many places around the world. She loved the mountains, especially in Fall. She loved clouds and being amidst flowers. Marty was an avid reader and insatiable learner. She was also highly skilled in sewing and took pride in being able to repair or improve any project. Marty knit beautifully and created many treasured pieces for loved ones. 

Marty had a wonderfully robust sense of humor. Her cheerful, positive attitude was an inspiration to everyone around her as she took all pieces of life in stride. She was frequently heard saying “I never have a bad day,” despite having many deeply felt losses and challenges. Marty loved animals and people. She had numerous close lifelong friends that she enjoyed keeping in contact with. Many of these close friends were family members. She was loyal and committed to her relationships.  She dearly loved her family and expressed it often. Her grandkids and their children were the joys of her life. 

Marty was a lifelong member of the LDS church. She held many callings in the church throughout her life and had a deep reverence for scripture and prayer. She exemplified Christ in her unwavering commitment to not unfairly judge others. However, no one was safe from her wit and teasing. She was articulate, outspoken and inclusive of all. She genuinely enjoyed conversing with everyone. Marty was dedicated not only to those close to her but also her community. She found great meaning in donating blood to the Red Cross and regularly donated to the local food bank. Marty found this as her way to serve her country and care for her community like she would have, her family.

Marty was blessed with exceptionally good health throughout her 99 years of life. She was able to remain in her own home until her passing. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Marty is predeceased by her parents, her sisters, by Reid and Owen, and by her son, William. She is survived by her children: Karin (Bill) VanValkenberg, Reid (Wendy) Lewis, and Barbara (Ed) Gallacher. Also following in her legacy are fourteen beloved grandchildren, and eighteen doubly beloved great-grandchildren.

Marty’s family plans to pay tribute to her memory through a private service in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Internment will follow at the Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

In lieu of flowers, Marty would love to be honored through a donation to your local food bank or by blood donation to the Red Cross.