Kathleen Burnett, 76, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Minot, North Dakota, leaving behind a lifetime of quiet service, steady faith, and deep love for her family.
She was born on December 1, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the eldest of eight children, to Charles Vern Burnett and Nadine Brewster Burnett. Being the oldest shaped her early into a caretaker role she carried naturally and lovingly throughout her life. Known as Kat to friends, Kathy by family, Mom and Momma to her children, and proudly Nana to her grandchildren, she carried each title with warmth and humor.
Kathleen’s hands were rarely still. She loved sewing, cooking, reading, and creating of all kinds, including embroidery, plastic canvas, and painting. Sewing and cooking were her greatest joys. If Kathleen could make you something, that’s what she did. She clothed her children, prepared warm meals, and lovingly sewed dresses that were donated locally and overseas to girls in need through her church. If something needed mending or making, she was the one everyone turned to. She showed her love through what she made. Clothed or fed-she made you something. And if she couldn’t make something with her hands, she made you feel loved, welcome, and safe.
Anyone who knew her knew her to be kind and loving, quick to laugh at the silliest things, with a heart and spirit that made everyone feel welcome.
Her love of reading was another quiet gift she passed down to her children and grandchildren, and one she hoped would continue with her great-grandchildren for generations to come. She also had a sweet tooth that was hard to match and a special fondness for Dr Pepper, Peeps, and Cow Tales-little joys that those closest to her will always smile remembering.
A faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kathleen lived her beliefs through service, generosity, and compassion.
She is survived by her children: Jefferson and his wife Jennifer, with their sons Zachary and Alexander; Karren B. Lesmann and her husband Preston, with their children Tatawnya (husband Sean Dean) and great-granddaughter Ellora, along with Daymon, Piper, Hope, Ryder, and Jaxsyn; and Thomas Crow and his wife Angelina, with their children Karren and her son, great-grandson Cyrus, Topanga, and Chris. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Lynn, Penny, and Marcy, and her brothers Charles, Peter, and David.
She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Patrick Foster Crow; her youngest sister, Karen Burnett Watson; and her parents, Nadine and Charles.
Kathleen was especially proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother and treasured every moment spent with her growing family.
Her love lives on in every stitch, every shared meal, every well-worn book, and every memory she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Service arrangements are pending.
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