Bernice Bowcutt Garrard Burgess

~ In Loving Memory ~

Bernice Bowcut Garrard Burgess was born April 14, 1924 in Burley, Idaho to Lester Ray Garrard and Blanch Eliza Bowcut Garrard. She celebrated 95 years of life before peacefully passing through to the other side of the veil into the waiting arms of her Eternal Sweetheart on October 15, 2019 in Taylorsville, Utah.

She was married to Leonard Ernest Burgess on October 6, 1944 (her brother, Gary’s 6th birthday) at her home in Phoenix, Arizona. They were then sealed in the Mesa, Arizona temple on October 18, 1944.

Bernice was the second of five children. Her siblings were Wilma Mitcham, Merril Garrard, Maxine Love and Gary Garrard. The family lived in Burley until Bernice was sixteen years old, when they moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She had an ideal childhood and felt so blessed to be part of such a loving family.

After their marriage and Ernie’s time in the air force they moved several places and settled in Granger, Utah in 1959. They were blessed with four children: Kenneth Ray, Randy Lee, Sheri Lyn and Sandra Gay. Bernice was always a loving and devoted mother. She was a stay-at-home mother and made her family the highest priority in her life. After Ernie’s early death in 1969, Bernice faced a long life without her sweetheart. They had barely celebrated twenty-five years of marriage when he died. October 6, 2019 marked their 75 th anniversary – so they were separated for 50 years! She has outlived her parents, husband and all of her siblings. What a great reunion they are having in heaven!

Bernice lacked self-confidence but faced life with faith, courage and endurance. After Ernie’s death she immersed herself in caring for her children and grandchildren. She worked at the Granger Bishop’s Storehouse for many years as a meat wrapper.

Over the years the family grew but tried to stay connected. So many get-togethers and traditions formed. To mention just a few – monthly birthday parties, holidays (especially Memorial Day breakfasts in Millcreek Canyon, parks and the Mackay’s backyard; and Christmas parties and the traveling breakfast on Christmas morning). We held many reunions and spent many days camping and enjoying one another. Up until 2011 when Bernice sold her home and moved in with Ken and Lois, the family took turns mowing and caring for her huge yard. We held monthly family home evenings together for many years.

In Bernice’s later years her health prevented her from being as involved and active. She was hard of hearing and that contributed to her anxieties in crowds or large groups. Though she was quiet and shy, she loved the visits, gifts, drawings, cards, flowers, announcements, and especially photos of family she received. She never missed giving a small Christmas gift to every family – whether a card and her picture, a bag of candy, a candle, a Christmas decoration or Christmas story. She enjoyed giving and helping anyone she could.

The past few years she has enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. She got to be a real pro! She also enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and other movies with happy endings.

Bernice, with her beautiful smile and sweet nature will be missed dearly, but we are happy that she’s able to be with loved ones and rest from the trials of this world. She was forever grateful to Ken and Lois for allowing her to live in their home and for their kind and loving service to her.

’Til we meet - Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma – We love you! Thank you for all you have done for each one of us! Rest in Peace.

She is survived by her four children: Ken (Lois) Burgess, Randy (Crystal) Burgess, Sheri (Dan) Clawson and Sandra (Gary) Mackay; 24 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 12 noon at the Valley Park Stake Center, 2603 W. 4700 S., Taylorsville, UT. A viewing will be held prior to services at 11:00 a.m. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates.

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