Mrs. Kenneth Collins Burns

Kenneth Ruth Collins Burns April 26, 1952 – January 9, 2025 If there’s one thing Kenneth Ruth Collins Burns (aka Kenny Ruth, Momma, Humbug, and Grammy) made clear in life, it was this—don’t leave people guessing when it comes to how you died. True to her daughter's promise, we're sharing that Kenny Ruth peacefully passed away on January 9, 2025, in her home of 50 years, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Born on April 26, 1952, in Mobile, Alabama, Kenny grew up in and built her life around Grand Bay, Alabama. Her formative years included gaining life wisdom from her mother, Oliva Ruth Dean Collins Marchand and her daddy, Edmond A. Marchand and bossing around her baby brother Alphonse (Debra Ann Thimmesh) Marchand. Now, she is finally meeting her Father, Kenneth Lloyd Collins, and her sister, Shari Denise Collins, in Heaven! Kenny spent a few years at Auburn University “figuring it all out,” before ultimately marrying the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Burns, and settling down to earn a double bachelor’s degree in English and Economics from the University of South Alabama. She’d remind us regularly that she was a lifeguard once upon a time, but she spent most of her days serving: as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, a poll worker alongside her mom, and a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service. However, it was her 30+ years as an International Exchange Coordinator with EF that truly reflected her heart and zest for life. She opened her arms and her doors to countless international teenagers, becoming “Mrs. Kenny” or “Grammy” to over 40 kids from all over the globe. Her love was truly boundless. To say Mrs. Kenny lived “big” is an understatement. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and poured herself into the people around her. Whether she was soaking up the sunshine by the water, planning her next big travel adventure, or spoiling her people (and anyone lucky enough to enter her orbit), Kenny made sure everyone felt seen and loved. Her laughter was warm, and her kindness knew no limits. Her dazzling legacy continues through her husband, Chuck; her mother, Oliva; her children, Charles M. Burns Jr. (Lisa Banus) and Kelli Burns Miller (Ricky Miller—her "favorite son-in-law" who earned that title through sheer effort and charm!); and her grandchildren, Abby Burns, Tripp Miller, Zack (Annie Beard) Miller, Thomas Miller, Issaih (Ann Marriott) Downey, and Mickenzy Henry. She also leaves behind a vast, beautifully blended family of "bonus grandbabies", cousins, friends, and every person who was lucky enough to be welcomed into her life. Kenny was a giver in every sense of the word. Instead of flowers, she would love for you to give to something meaningful in her memory—just as she always gave to what she deeply cared about. She was an avid supporter of everything that her grandkids and Ricky were involved in at Alma Bryant High School (which, honestly, was basically everything), St. Jude, the Wounded Warrior Project, Autism Speaks, and Dance Without Limits. Or simply pick a charity close to your heart—she’d love that too. Though Kenny’s physical presence may no longer be here, her immense love, humor, and joy will live on in every heart she touched. To know her was the gift of a lifetime. Visitation to celebrate Kenny will be held on January 14, 2025, at Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, AL, with family time from 2–3 p.m., and friends and extended family are welcome between 3–5 p.m. Come prepared to shed some tears, share some laughs, and celebrate a life lived beautifully. Kenny’s philosophy was simple—love big, laugh often, and never pass up chocolate. To know her was to be loved by her, and we will spend the rest of our days treasuring that gift. 💜 Rest easy, Momma, your light will forever shine brightly in all of us.

Tributes

Mrs. Kenneth Collins Burns

April 26, 1952 - January 9, 2025