Jill Ella Burningham Morris

Jill Ella (Burningham) Morris, born on March 2, 1948, in Salt Lake City, UT, passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 76, in her home in Bountiful, UT, surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was the youngest of six children born to Gerry and Phyllis Burningham. After graduating from West High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Utah. Jill spent several years teaching in the Head Start Program before dedicating nearly two decades to substitute teaching in the schools her children attended.

 Jill met her lifelong companion, Stephen Morris, when they were in elementary school. However, it wasn't until junior high that the boy she had a crush on asked her out. They were married on June 26, 1970, in Salt Lake City. Together, they moved to Bountiful, where they raised three children. As their children grew, Jill and Stephen enjoyed traveling the world together, something she truly loved. Some of her happiest times were spent with her 13 grandchildren, whom she adored and often took to Disneyland.

 Jill spent countless hours serving others. She held many leadership roles, including multiple years as PTA president, treasurer of a youth sports league, and various church callings. She also served as a hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Jill was perhaps best known for her love of serving others through food, a gesture that touched the lives of many.

 Jill never wanted to miss an activity with her family, no matter the occasion. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, whether it was a sporting event, dance recital, or musical performance. She was one of her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest cheerleaders and most loyal supporters.

 Jill is survived by her husband of 55 years, Stephen Morris, and their children: Sean (Jolie), Nathan (Amy), and Joee (Lee) Bartholomew. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible staff at the University of Utah Hospital ICU for their heartfelt care during her final days after contracting a life-ending infection.

 A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main St, Bountiful, UT, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. An additional viewing will take place prior to the services on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the North Canyon Stake Center, 965 E. Oakwood Dr, Bountiful, UT. The service to celebrate Jill’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Stake Center, with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 E. Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, UT.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.