Marion Burnham Obituary

Marion Burnham was born in Lamar, CO on October 4, 1954, to Burton and Eleanor Starcher. Marion was an only child but viewed her cousins more like siblings. Marion spoke lovingly of her fond memories of the cousins.

At a young age, Marion moved with her family to Hobbs NM, where she attended school. While in school, Marion enjoyed working on rental properties with her dad where she learned many skills and applied them to her projects later in life. She also spoke lovingly about family trips, UMW events, and family reunions. After high school Marion attended Baker University in Baldwin City, KS where she joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority and went from being an only child to having several sisters. Marion felt that going far away to college allowed her to rebrand herself from the shy girl and teacher's daughter she had always been. At Baker, she made many friends and met husband Robert Burnham. Marion graduated with a music education degree and went on to KU to study music therapy.

Bob and Marion were married on August 21st, 1976. Right after getting married both moved into the sorority house as house parents. Marion loved to share stories of this fun adventure which had its highs and lows for a newlywed couple. Following graduation, Bob and Marion headed to Arlington, VA where Marion worked as a park ranger and enjoyed her time at Washington Monument. They then moved back to Hobbs, NM where their son Robin Burnham was born. Later, they moved to Arvada, CO where Marion taught piano lessons, lead bell choirs, helped with scouts, and youth groups. Marion spent many years doing her favorite job of being a mom and volunteering for Robin’s many activities.

After Robin graduated high school, Bob and Marion moved to Idaho Springs where Marion continued to share her passion for bells and other music. Marion continued to help with scouts and church when she was not traveling. In recent years, Marion spent much of her time on adventures with Bob and their friends. She loved to travel the world, host friends at “The Cabin,” or just stay home and play games or work on puzzles.

She also spent many hours attending the grandkids events. She was a proud Mimi to Kennedy, Wyatt, Tehya, Garyn, and Edwyn, and a great Mimi to Everlee and Sophia. All the kids looked forward to her homemade gifts and loving holiday cards. Many of the grandchildren gained her love of music and she was happy to lead them in singing and playing bells. She had also unofficially adopted many other grandchildren and traveled to see them as well. When not at events, you could find her in the kitchen making her famous chicken noodles, or at the table teaching one of the kids a new game or playing one of her favorites.

On March 8, 2026, Marion passed peacefully at her home and joined the many dear family and friends who went before her.