Phyllis Renee Burningham Koester

Phyllis Renee Burningham Koester, age 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on March 9, 2026.

Renee was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 24, 1937, to Phyllis and Gerald Burningham. She grew up in Salt Lake City.

Renee met Robert Koester while attending Jackson Junior High School. They started dating in the ninth grade at West High School. Renee and Robert were married on January 20, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah. During their marriage, they lived in Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, and made their way back to Utah, where they lived in their home in Cottonwood Heights for over 45 years.

Renee was known for her warm heart and the many lifelong friendships she maintained throughout her life.

She was involved with philanthropic work for many years, where she was able to volunteer and donate to programs that were very meaningful to her.

Renee enjoyed her time at Costco as a WDS demonstrator and later as a lead, where she worked for many years.

Renee was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Gerald Burningham, her husband, Robert (August 12, 2021), and her siblings, Pat, Gerald, Lynn, and Jill.

She is survived by her brother Brent, her four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.

Per Renee’s wishes, she will be cremated and laid to rest with her husband, Robert Koester, at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Renee was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.