Phyllis Renee Koester

Phyllis Renee Burningham Koester, age 88, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on March 9, 2026. Born in Salt Lake City on April 24, 1937, to Phyllis and Gerald Burningham, Renee grew up in her hometown and attended Jackson Junior High and West High School. It was there she met Robert Koester; they began dating in ninth grade and were married on January 20, 1956, in Salt Lake City. Together they lived in Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, and Ohio before returning to Utah, where they made their home in Cottonwood Heights for more than 45 years.

Renee was known for her warm heart and the many lifelong friendships she cherished. She devoted years to philanthropic work, volunteering and supporting causes that held deep meaning for her. She also found great enjoyment in her long career at Costco, first as a WDS demonstrator and later as a lead.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Gerald Burningham, her husband Robert Koester on August 12, 2021, and her siblings Pat, Gerald, Lynn, and Jill. Renee is survived by her brother Brent, her four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.

Per her wishes, Renee will be cremated and laid to rest beside her husband at Salt Lake City Cemetery. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.