Marjorie “Marge” Ann (Riden) Burnett of Leawood, KS, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after a brief illness. She was born October 30,1939, in Charles City, IA to Leslie and Odis Riden. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1957. Marge worked several jobs until her marriage to Rodney Burnett on September 11, 1960. To this union they adopted two children – Brad in February 1966 and Julie in December 1967. In November 1972 Marge gave birth to Sara. After leaving farming in 1964, they moved to Jefferson, IA. The family moved several times as Rodney advanced his banking career – Nevada, Eldridge, Wilton, and West Union, all in Iowa, were also called home. While raising the family, Marge also had many careers. She taught preschool, owned a children’s clothing store, was a dental assistant, coordinated traveling sales teams, became a travel agent, and was Rod’s assistant at the bank in West Union. But by far her greatest “job” was loving and spoiling her family, her grandchildren were her everything.
Marge and Rod travelled to Honolulu, HI for several years. The met many wonderful people from all over the US and Canada. These trips were sometimes with friends and sometimes with family. No matter who was visiting, there were weekly newsletters and treat packages sent back to those in the cold winter of Iowa. In February 2008 the whole family spent two weeks together to celebrate their early 50th wedding anniversary.
In 2001, they sold their banking interest and moved to the Des Moines area. They began playing duplicate bridge and travelled the Midwest playing in various tournaments. They even played in tournaments with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet! They achieved the status of Bronze Life Masters in duplicate bridge in 2013. In 2016, Marge left retirement and joined the Durham Bus Service in Waukee, IA. She started as a monitor on the bus and ended her career as a Child Behavioral Specialist when she again retired in February 2024. In March 2024, Marge and Rod moved to Olathe, KS to be nearer to their daughters, Julie and Sara.
Marge is survived by her spouse, Rodney Burnett of Leawood, KS; son Brad (Darcy) Burnett of Waukee, IA, and daughters Julie (Steve) Liggett of Raymore, MO, and Sara (Jack) Kobe of Leavenworth, KS; grandchildren Hunter Liggett of New York City, NY, Jackson Kobe, Carson Liggett, Miranda Burnett, and Logan Kobe; sister Ileen Jerdee of Charles City, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Odis Riden and brother Dean Riden.
Services will be held Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 2:30 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church 601 Milwaukee Street Charles City, IA with visitation prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorials may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church.
