Candace Leigh Burns

Candace Leigh Burns was known for her laughter, kindness, and exuberance and the light she brought into this world on September 23rd, 1951 in Huron, South Dakota but that light passed from this world after 72 years on February 6th, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Candace or as she was better known, Candy or Mema, always filled the hearts of those around her and her sense of humor and whimsy always brought out smiles and laughter when she would enter a room. Though her passing will leave many hearts saddened, the memories she left will ensure those hearts continue to grow and love in the years to come.

Candy was born to Beverly Jean (Rogers) and Curtis Eugene Rasmussen on a chilly day in September of 1951. She was their first child and would be the big sister to her brothers Curtis and Craig. Shortly after her birth her family moved several times to include Nebraska where Curt was born and then to California where Craig was born and then where she started school in Long Beach.

She met Steven Douglas Burns at Buena Park High School and over several summers their love and bond grew stronger and on November 18th, 1972 they were married. Their marriage bore two children Steve Jr. and Jennifer. With Steven’s military career Candy moved all around the United States from California, Iowa, Oklahoma, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Alaska. During her years by Steven’s side, she shared her laughter, kindness, and resilience by helping other military spouses with the trials and tribulations of military life. As he served the country, she served those around her as a mother, friend, and ombudsman. She was always there for others helping and guiding them, bringing cheer and strength to all that she touched.

After Steven’s retirement and short stops in Texas and Brookfield Missouri, they settled into their long-term home in Marceline Missouri. In Marceline, Candy was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church and a well-known member of the community. She was often spotted outside soaking up the sun and traveling around the small town with her grandchildren Chelsey, Karley, and Neil. After the passing of the love of her life she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she lived with her son and was joined by her mother. Even in such a large city her laughter and jubilance for life shined bright with family, friends, and church family at Foothills Southern Baptist Church.

Candy will always be known for her laughter and banter by her friends. Her strength, love, and resilience by her family, and crafts, playfulness, and love by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No one could ask for a better daughter, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother than Candy. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her.

Candy was preceded in death by her husband, Steven Douglas Burns, father Curtis Eugene Rasmussen, her maternal grandparents Ethel and Bernard Rogers and paternal grandparents Marie and Nels Rasmussen.

She is survived by her mother Beverly Jean Rasmussen and her children Steven Douglas Burns Jr. and Jennifer Leigh Burns, 5 grandchildren Chelsey Leigh Clayton, Karley Miranda Batye, Neil Raymond Batye, Madeline Lavonne Burns, and Vanessa Leigh Burns, and 3 great-grandchildren Ryan Dane Lemmond, Reece Michael Sackery, and Rayln Ann Guilford.

She is also survived by her younger brother Curtis Eugene Rasmussen Jr., his wife Geri and his children Curtis Eugene Rasmussen III, Christopher Eric Rasmussen (Alexandra), and Ryan Wesley Rasmussen and her youngest brother Craig Arthur Rasmussen, his wife Nadine, and their children Stefany Rasmussen and Erik Rasmussen (Aleksandra).

A committal service for Candy will be held Friday, March 1st, 2024 from 10:40 AM to 11:30 AM at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, in Boulder City, Nevada.