Donna Lee Sparks Burdett

Donna Lee Sparks Burdett

Donna Lee Sparks Burdett led a full life and relished her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, musician, sister and friend. Most of all, she knew her identity as a daughter of God and lived every day striving to serve those around her. She was firm in her love of the Savior and set an amazing example of faith for her family. Her deeply held convictions and her family helped sustain and comfort her as the end of her life drew near.

Donna was born March 26, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in Bountiful, Utah and attended Bountiful High School where she graduated as the valedictorian of her class. During her senior year of high school, she met her future husband, William Michael Burdett. Donna and Mike were both Student Body Officers at Weber College and became engaged before he left on his two-year mission. After earning her associate degree, she attended Brigham Young University. She earned a bachelor degree in Home Economics and, after graduating, married her eternal companion and best friend in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Donna loved the city of Ogden and immersed herself in the community. She was on the Weber State Alumni Committee and the Emeriti Alumni Council serving as President for one year. Donna held a seat on the Ogden City Planning Commission and after nine years she was appointed to the City Council. During her time on the Ogden City Council, she prioritized preserving the history of Ogden, revitalizing the downtown area, and was instrumental in bringing The Junction to downtown Ogden.  Donna was appointed and served as president of the Weber District Dental Auxiliary. During that time, she would visit elementary schools and teach children the importance of good oral health. Subsequently, she served as the president of the Utah Dental Auxiliary. Donna served on The Treehouse board and was also active in her camp of Daughters of Utah Pioneers. 

Donna was an accomplished pianist and music was a passion of hers that she used to serve others throughout her life. She taught piano lessons for 25 years and served as President of the Ogden Chapter of the Utah Music Teachers Association. She enjoyed playing in a trio with her daughters and performed many musical numbers at church, weddings and funerals. She was a long-time member of Sempre Musical Society. When Donna played the piano those listening could feel the love and passion she had for music. She instilled her love of music in her daughters and many of her grandchildren. 

If you knew Donna well, you know she loved to read. She was very well read and loved, “a good clean murder mystery”. But she also had other hobbies, including bonding with her grandchildren while playing video games! While some may think this an odd hobby, her grandchildren certainly did not. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed knitting and doing needlework. 

Donna was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was given opportunities to serve in many capacities including Relief Society President, Young Women President, chorister, organist and choir director. She and Mike were also called to help with church services at the hospital. She dedicated her entire life to serving her Heavenly Father and those around her. Donna will be remembered for being an involved mother and grandmother, a loving wife and friend and always being engaged in a worthy cause. She set an amazing example of Christ-like charity.

Donna passed away at home surrounded by her family on June 19, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; and her parents, Don and Chlotelle Sparks. She is survived by her daughter, Diana (Bryon) Talbot; her sons, Greg (Janice) and Daniel (Jen) and her daughter, Maren (Tyler) Wood; 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Dorothy Robins.           

The family would like to thank Bristol Hospice for the kind, compassionate care they provided. A special thanks to Kami, Charlotte, Natalia, Nicole and Shayleigh. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 25 2022 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. 

Services will be live-streamed and available by scrolling to the bottom of Donna’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Treehouse Museum at www.treehousemuseum.org or call directly.    

ORDER VIDEOS