Coleen Burnett Cummings

On New Year’s Day, 2025, Coleen Burnett Cummings, 91, peacefully passed away at her home in Harrisville, Utah.

Born on April 6, 1933, in Ogden, Utah, to Boyd William and Velda (Brown) Burnett. Coleen graduated from Ogden High School in 1950 and attended Weber State College and Brigham Young University.

Her college years were filled with friendships and leadership. She worked in the athletic department and joined the Pep Club. As President of her LDS Chapter, of Lamba Delta Sigma, Coleen created meaningful activities and cherished the camaraderie. She was surprised and honored to be named "Dream Girl - 1957” by Lamba Delta Sigma. She humbly treasured this and strived to live up to this title throughout her life.

Coleen loved to travel. She forever treasured memories from her trips to NYC, Nauvoo, IL, Washington DC, and a three-month tour of Europe she took with friends. She spent another three months with her sister and brother-in-law in Germany. Inspired by these experiences, Coleen referred to herself as a “world traveler.” 

On July 31, 1958, Coleen married David Cummings in the Logan Utah Temple. Together, they raised four children, Navona, David Bruce, Carilyn, and Jayna. Coleen and David were known for their hospitality, frequently hosting parties, wedding and baby showers, and Sunday dinners. She loved playing pinochle with her brother Arlen and sister-in-law Barbara, filling their games with laughter and friendly competition.

For over three decades, Coleen worked first as a secretary and later doing accounting at the IRS in Ogden, Utah, where she was admired for her diligence and generosity. Her handmade treats, especially her hand-dipped chocolates, were legendary among her coworkers, friends, and family. 

Her favorite time of year was Christmas. She decorated David’s art galleries with themed Christmas trees and filled her home with homemade goodies. New Year’s Eve puzzles were another tradition, as she worked on them for weeks with her family.

After David’s passing in 1995, Coleen retired from the IRS and embraced her role as a grandmother, opening her living space to family members who needed support. At one time or another, her South Ogden condominium became a temporary home for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many of whom have fond memories of sitting on her bed to watch old films, doing puzzles, and sharing her chocolates and popcorn.

She found comfort and belonging in her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her Eastwood Ward neighbors and friends ministered to her throughout the 35 years she lived in South Ogden, and she cherished these associations. Many of these ward members joined her family in celebrating her 90th Birthday.

Coleen will be remembered as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Coleen is survived by her children, Navona Cummings (Thomas E.) Hanes, David Bruce (Julie) Cummings, Carilyn (Jack Alan) Gift, and Jayna Cummings Taylor; 20 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Susanne Burnett Oborn and Dale Brown Burnett (Linda K Bingham). She was preceded in death by her husband, David Saxton Cummings; grandchildren, Chad Valden Ward, and Emily Ann Gift Wall; great-grandchild, Rowan Brian Jenkins; parents, Boyd William and Velda May Brown; and siblings, Arlen Boyd Burnett (Barbara Bingham), Lou Jean Burnett Young (Marlow J), and Sharyl Moyse (James Kirk), 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. 

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