Darlene Burns

Darlene DeLapp Burns passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 7, 2016, from complications of COPD. While we will miss her smile greatly, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering.

Darlene was born May 16, 1936 in Williston, North Dakota, to Dave and Edna DeLapp. After her childhood in the freezing north, Darlene's family moved to Seattle, Washington. She graduated from West Seattle High School, where she was active in drama.

As a young teen she was introduced to missionaries from the LDS church and the message of eternal families resonated with her. At age 14, Darlene was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After high school, Darlene attended college and then moved to Hawaii to work. It was there she met a dark-haired fighter pilot at a church dance. After a whirlwind romance, Darlene and Jim were married October 24, 1956 in the Honolulu LDS Tabernacle. Their marriage was solemnized 8 months later in the Laie Hawaii Temple. Hawaii will always have a special place in their hearts.

Because of Jim's military service and commercial airline career, they lived in Hawaii, Texas, Illinois, Washington, California and eventually, they settled in Provo, Utah, where they resided for over 30 years, until Darlene's health began to decline.

Darlene and Jim raised 5 children: Devin (Patty), David, Deanna (Aaron) Ingram, Maylene (Eric) White, and Michael (Kristi). They were also blessed with 8 grandchildren.

An active member of the LDS church, Darlene served faithfully in numerous auxiliary callings and enjoyed genealogy work. She loved to laugh and had an infectious smile. She was a great cook and loved to entertain. Her Christmas parties were legendary. She was also an avid reader and loved the color pink. Family was most important to her and she was considered the "glue" that held many generations together. She was always her children's biggest cheerleader, never missing a game or performance, no matter how small. She relished the title of wife and mother. Darlene was an avid traveler, especially back to Hawaii with her sweetheart, which they did often.

Darlene's thoughtfulness and kindness will be missed by all who knew her. She exemplified the pure love of Christ with everyone she met.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Jim, five children and 8 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, August 13, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at the LDS Edgemont South Stake Center, 350 East 2950 North, Provo, Utah. A gathering will take place from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will be at Holladay Memorial Park, in Holladay, Utah. An online guestbook is available at: www.goffmortuary.com . Written condolences and flowers may be sent to Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State, Midvale, UT 84047.