Elaine Inglet Burningham

Elaine Inglet Burningham, 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on September 22, 2025.

Elaine was born on May 1, 1932, in Preston, Idaho to Melvin James and Zelda Lewis Inglet. The second of six children, she grew up in Fairview, Idaho. When she was 14 years old, the family moved to Clearfield, Utah, to seek better employment after World War II. As a teenager Elaine assumed the homemaking responsibilities for the family when her mother was admitted to the Utah State Mental Hospital where she remained for the rest of her life. Elaine graduated from Davis High School and often reminisced of the good times and lifelong friends she formed there. Soon after high school, she began dating Wayne Burningham, and the two were married on February 7, 1951. They lived most of their married life in Layton, Utah.

Elaine enjoyed a 40-year career as a dental assistant and office manager with Dr. Harvey M. Broadbent. Dr. Broadbent became a dear friend and later officiated at Wayne and Elaine’s sealing in the Ogden Utah Temple in 1981. She also worked for another 10 years with Dr. Carl Saunders and Dr. David P. Christensen.

Elaine could do it all. She maintained a beautiful home and yard, served others generously, and lived with laughter and optimism. She and Wayne lovingly opened their home to her youngest brother, Craig, who had lived with the effects from Polio since childhood. For 30 years - including many after Wayne’s passing - she cared for and provided for Craig. They enjoyed a special closeness.

Elaine shared her love of reading, traveling, and golf with her children and grandchildren. Competitive by nature, she enjoyed watching and attending sporting events. Her legendary Christmas Eve and Easter gatherings were filled with games, contests and generous prizes. She loved sponsoring and participating in the annual Burningham Family Golf Tournament. As a devoted “Reading Grandma” at Sand Springs Elementary School in Layton, Utah, Elaine volunteered twice a week for years, reading with first graders.

Together, Elaine and Wayne cherished lifelong friendships. Whether enjoying weekly Saturday night dates or traveling the world, Elaine delighted in being social and laughing together. Among their closest friends were Pete and Carol Page. With their husbands both business partners and best friends, Elaine and Carol formed a particularly close bond. The couples traveled extensively - whether to exotic destinations or routine auto auctions across the West – always creating joyful memories together. Elaine also treasured the special closeness she shared with her sisters-in-law and many dear friends.

Elaine is survived by her four children: Berrie (Clare) Niederhauser of Layton; Texie (Don) Nielsen of Centerville; Dirk (Jeanie) Burningham of Layton; and Trace (Angelique) Burningham of Layton; 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, with another expected in March.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved in-laws Ralph and Louise Burningham; her husband, Wayne Burningham; her sisters Verlene, Faye, and Kaye; her brothers Melvin LeRoy and Joseph Craig; her great-granddaughter London Layton; and her great-great-grandson, Ledger J. Hansen.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Marci and Janis with Symbii Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the West Point Cemetery in West Point, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Primary Children’s Hospital or the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, both of which blessed Elaine’s life through the care they provided to her brother and husband.

Services are under the direction of Russon Brothers Mortuary, Syracuse, Utah.