Lugene Burns
June 13, 1927 — March 25, 2025
Ruth Lugene Burns, 97, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2025. Lugene was born to Hazelle (Mitchell) and Albert George Morain on June 13, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA. Her family moved to Des Moines during her teens, and she graduated from North High School, meeting monthly with classmates until her 90s. She attended Biola University and also completed business college. For many years she worked for the State of Iowa as a legislative secretary.
Lugene enjoyed travel, time with friends, music, and making things beautiful. She was involved in the Des Moines Christian Women’s Club, Bible Study Fellowship, PEO, and church activities. Above all, she was a prayerful follower of Jesus Christ.
Her memory is cherished by her sister, Betty Lavon Benshoof; daughters, Bettejean Cramer and Cheri Rogers; six grandchildren, Chris (Jill) Cramer, Geoff (Nikki) Cramer, Kathryn (Deron) Frailie, Sarah (Youngwook) Cho, Brian Bolin, and Joseph Bolin; seven great-grandchildren; and five nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and by husbands, Robert Burns and Stanley Heston.
She was buried at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, IA. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at The Mission Church, 12001 Ridgemont Dr in Urbandale, IA.
Memorials may be directed to The Mission Church and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kristine Miller Young
06/25/2025
Dear Bettyjean and Cheri
My heart is broken to learn of your mom’s homegoing. Heaven gained an angel full of beauty and grace. I was lucky enough to be able to stay in touch over the years - she always attended my mom’s Christmas brunches. Dad passed in 2015 and my own mom has steadily decreased in her physical strength and health. Still pretty sharp and remembers incredible details. She is in her home and Bob and I moved in with her 3 years ago to provide full time care and support for her. Thankful for the nurses and doctor who support us to keep her at home. I’m so sorry I could not attend her celebration but I don’t have backup help today. Blessings and hugs as you honor your beautiful mother.
Kris Miller Young
515-229-2058
Martha L Miller
5230 E Oakwood Dr
Pleasant Hill Ia 50327
Pam
06/16/2025
I worked with Lugene at the State Capitol and always enjoyed our visits on ways to stay healthy. She was always very pleasant.
Pam Duffy
06/13/2025
Such a beautiful, classy woman. I hadn't seen Lugene for maybe maybe 25 years. Deepest condolences to her dear family.