Barbara Ann Burns Despain

1934 — 2022

Barbara Ann Burns Despain died August 31, 2022, surrounded by her family, and was joyously reunited with her husband, Ken. She was born January 29, 1934, in Brigham City, Utah, the second of two daughters of loving parents, Ann Elizabeth Hansen and Frank Truman Burns. She often told stories of her magical childhood in Logan, Utah playing in the ditch with her best friend Margaret, ice skating at Center Street Park and swimming at Logana. Upon graduating from Logan High School and Seminary in 1951, she attended Utah State University. She was an elected member of the ROTC Sponsor Corps and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She also attended BYU.

Barbara married Kenneth Brown Despain on July 31, 1953, in the Logan LDS Temple. They spent 55 wonderful years together before Ken proceeded her in death. They enjoyed traveling, wintering in Harrisburg, Utah and enjoyed many wonderful life-long friendships made through various clubs such as pinochle and supper club. Ken and Barb were the life of the party wherever they went. While raising a family and working full time as a substitute teacher, she chose to go back to school and earn her degree from Weber State University. She graduated with honors in Secondary Education and English. Barbara was a beloved teacher and media specialist for 32 years with the Ogden School District, retiring in 1996. Barbara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving faithfully in many positions in the church, never turning down a calling. Her life was built upon her faith and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. Her legacy will live on through her family whom she dearly loved. She is survived by her children, Becky (Wayne) Thompson, Rich (Peggy) Despain, and Rob (Pam) Despain; 9 grandchildren, Trisha (Michael) McFarland, Ryan (Michelle) Despain, Michelle (Lynzell) Jackson, Allison Despain, Logan (Baleigh) Despain, Nick (Tara) Despain, Austin Despain, Mitchell (Aubree) Despain, and Madison Despain; 11 great grandchildren, McKenzie (Nathan) Anderson, Gage McFarland, Zoe and Mya Jackson, Tinslee, Wyatt and soon-to-be R. Kase Despain, Tess, Jack, Karsten, and Hogan Despain. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister Shirley Burns Heppler; in-laws Bert and Ruby Despain; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Carol Major.

We would like to thank the staff at Seasons Assisted Living for the loving and compassionate care given to our mother.