Sandra Kay Russell Burgess' Obituary
Sandra Kay Russell Burgess, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 , in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Sandy was born on July 31, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George Junior Russell and Martha Atkinson Russell, the eldest of six children.
Sandy and her husband Merril met on a blind date. and married on March 30, 1962 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised eight children in Salt Lake City and later in Riverton, Utah.
Sandy was a woman of many talents. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, she was a beautician, an art teacher, an aerobics teacher, and a secretary. She was involved in the PTA and was president of the Riverton Parent’s Association. Sandy directed musicals. She wrote plays, poems, songs, and stories. She liked to draw, paint and do crafts. She played the piano and loved to sing.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various church callings on a ward and stake level. She enjoyed working in Primary and Young Women’s. She was in charge of the Ward Family History Center. One of her favorite callings was that of Primary teacher of an autistic, deaf girl. She learned sign language in order to fill her calling. She was a secretary to the Church Audit Department and to several General Authorities, where she was known as “Dandy Sandy.”
Sandy was known for her loving nature, her cheerful disposition and her great faith.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, and two grandsons, Matthew Cook and Damian Burgess. She is survived by her husband, Merril Myron Burgess; her eight children, Marilee (Charles) Cook, Mark (Aleesa) Burgess, Scott (Tonya) Burgess, Kent (Jenny) Burgess, Mike (Renae) Burgess, Stacie (Darren) Jensen, Ryan (Heather) Burgess, and Kristi (Doug) Farr; her 30 grandchildren and their spouses; and her25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by all 5 siblings: Vickie White, Diane Irey, Nancy Sailor, Stan Russell and Robyn Stapley.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 10 at the Brookwood Ward Chapel located at 11970 S 1940 W, Riverton Utah . Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 12, 2026, at the same location. A viewing will be held that morning, prior to the services. The times of all events are TBD.
Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley 13001 S 3600 W, Riverton, Utah.
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
How did Sandra make you smile?