Marilyn Ruth Burke

Marilyn Ruth Burke, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, at the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Born in Salina, Kansas, on December 10, 1946, Marilyn was raised in Garland, Utah, by her loving parents, Reba and Merrill Hards. She shared a special bond with her brother, Charles, who affectionately called her "Sissy." Her nieces and nephews continued the tradition, calling her Aunt Sissy, a name that carried with it the warmth and affection she gave to all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Bear River High School in Garland, Marilyn went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. During her time in college, she embraced the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a faith that would play a central role in her life.

After finishing her studies, Marilyn moved to California, where she began a successful career in the insurance industry. She met and married Ray Bentley in 1976, and together they welcomed their daughter, Melissa, in 1980. Marilyn’s excellence in her career was recognized with the prestigious Los Angeles Sales Marketing Executives’ Honor Award.

Following her divorce, Marilyn met and married Donald Burke in 1992. Their marriage was later sealed in the Ogden UtahTemple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Marilyn and Donald continued to work together in the insurance field until his passing.

Despite her professional achievements, Marilyn’s true passion lay in helping others, particularly children. Later in life, she returned to school at the University of Santa Monica, where she earned a degree in Family Counseling with a focus on children. This was a field she held dear to her heart, and she found great fulfillment in guiding and supporting young people.

In her later years, Marilyn’s greatest joy was her granddaughter, Abigail McGrath, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond. Marilyn always dreamed of a large family, and though she had one daughter, she opened her heart to many, adopting families into her life and making them her own.

Marilyn was also deeply dedicated to temple work and genealogy. Her love for family and her devotion to preserving their history will be cherished by all who knew her. 

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Reba and Merrill Hards, and her beloved husband, Donald Burke. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa McGrath, her granddaughter, Abigail McGrath, her brother, Charles "Skip" Hards and his wife Marie Hards, and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Roy 4th Ward, 5301 South 2100 West, Roy, Utah. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a light lunch at 12:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org.

Marilyn will be laid to rest next to her husband, Donald Burke, where they will rest together for eternity. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.