Viva Leone Funk Burrie passed away peacefully at the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital in Malad City, Idaho on Friday, August 17, 2018 after a short illness. Viva was born on December 22, 1922 at her grandmother’s home in Benson Ward, Utah, a small farming community southeast of Smithfield, Utah. Her parents were Walter Angus Funk and Sarah Loila Reese Funk. The third of five children, she joined older brothers Rex and Norman. Sister Loila and a younger brother Dennis rounded out the family.

Viva attended a two room school in Benson, junior high in Smithfield, and high school at North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah. After high school graduation she attended USAC (now Utah State University) and worked at Hill Field during the summer.

While at USAC, she met Jay Burrie at a college dance in 1942. He swept her off her feet (and she his). They were married in 1943 and moved to the ranch in Daniels. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan temple in 1952.

In Daniels they lived with Jay’s parents until a home became available for them to move into a year later. Together they built their ranch home in 1948 and a winter home on Bannock Street in 1950. Viva lived alone in the Bannock Street home from the time of Jay’s passing in 1999 until her final week. She was fiercely independent and determined not to leave her home. The family is grateful she was able to take care of herself for such a long period with minimal difficulties.

Viva and Jay worked side by side on the ranch for over 50 years. She drove grain truck during harvest, fed hungry hay workers, and made a wonderful home for her family. She always made sure each of the family had clean beds, clean clothes, and wonderful meals. She was a great example of patience and kindness. She taught us by example and love.

Viva was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in numerous callings. She also served several years on the Oneida County Library Board and worked tirelessly to bring about the new library construction.

Viva is survived by sister Loila Anderson of Logan; sons and wonderful daughters-in-law Joe and Lynda Burrie of Malad, and Dee and Dennay Burrie of Pasco, Washington; 13 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, husband Jay Burrie and daughter Connie Ann Burrie Kerr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 23 at 12:00 noon at the Malad 3rd, 6th, and 7th Ward Building, 400 N 200 W, Malad City, Idaho. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. and Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W 300 N, Malad City, Idaho. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery.