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Ruth Burwash Obituary
PAXTON - On Sunday (June 4, 2023), Ruth Burwash, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 96.
Ruth Carolyn Carter Burwash was born on Feb. 23, 1927, in Algona, Iowa, to Fred and
Martha (Callies) Carter. On Feb. 2, 1945, she married Milo (Flet) Burwash at the Lutheran
Church in Lotts Creek, Iowa. In 1948, the young Burwash family moved to Illinois and bought the family farm in Purdueville, which would be their home for decades to come.
Ruth lived a life dedicated to her family, friends and community. She loved, nurtured and
teased all four generations that have come along since the Burwash's humble beginnings.
Whether mom, grandma, great-grandma or great-great-grandma, Ruth's love for her family has been going strong for almost a century. Aside from her family, there are countless people who proudly know Ruth as Grandma.
Ruth's reputation has preceded her over the years thanks to her baking expertise, unique arts and crafts, love of plants and her passion for a good game of bingo now and then. She never met a stranger and always had an impact on those fortunate enough to know her.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Karen Liggett; son, Joel Burwash; grandchildren, Sheila Liggett and Chad Liggett; great-grandchildren, Mershon (Jim) Tobin, Tawny (Josh) Dyche and Adon Liggett; great-great-grandsons, Carter Tobin and Sawyer Dyche; and many loving cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Milo (Flet) Burwash; sisters, Marie
Shepard, Geneva Shipler, Lynna Ollom and Thelma Carter; brothers, Raymond Carter, John Carter and Joel Carter (who died serving his country on Iwo Jima in World War II); and daughter-in-law, Sheila Burwash.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17, at The Villas of Holly Brook,
Gibson City, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Corn Belt Shriner Club or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Burwash
sterve pacey
June 19, 2023
Joel: our sympathies on Ruth's passing. We always appreciated her care of and interest in our children. She was a special person. Steve and Brenda Pacey
Rau & Royce Leisure
June 8, 2023
Ray and I were privileged to know Ruth. She had enormous love for everyone
Richard Brown
June 8, 2023
I remember Ruth when she lived as a Knights Templar resident when my step father (Ed Havener) was a resident a few doors down from her till 2018. They both got along just fine (I did too :+) ). I remember her as a nice friendly person. My condolences to the Burwash family. Sincerely, Rick Brown
Callise Roach
June 7, 2023
The loss of Aunt Ruth is the end of the Carter siblings. Her baby sister (my mother, Lynna Ollom) preceded her 20 years ago. I am amazed that 3 of the sisters lived to be in their mid-90s. It is such a wonderful thing to live that long and touch so many lives. I have so many fond memories of my Aunt. I haven't seen her in person in many years, but I have kept up with the family news all along. With the death of my mother and my Aunt Geneva, the news has been dwindling, but I still heard stories from cousins who went to visit her. She was an amazing, strong woman. How she could stay so funny and so full of laughter after the hardships she has seen is phenomenal. I consider myself fortunate to have known her, visited her original farm in Paxton, and listened to her calling my Aunt Geneva as recently as a few years ago. Aunt Ruth, thank you for all of the Christmas gifts, cards, memories of life on the farm. And thank you to the Carter sisters for passing on that cooking, crafting, and gardening gene! Our lives were so much better with you in it. Sending prayers to Karen, Joel and the rest of the family. May you rest in peace and watch over us for the rest of our days. Say "hi" to Mom! We will join you all someday in the future.
Paul Burwash
June 7, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Aunt Ruth and uncle Flet were special people. The last time I saw them was Christmas 1983 when I was at in the Navy training center Great Lakes. I will always think of them fondly. And yes I remember her baking skills with mouth watering satisfaction.
Lena Adkins
June 6, 2023
Ruth was definitely one in a million. A very sweet lady who definitely never met a stranger. I met her through Sheila and Joel and although I didn’t see her often she always knew who I was. Absolutely a great cook!!! I know she will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time
Sharon May
June 6, 2023
Joel and Karen, I am saddened to hear of your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of Ruth, she was a very special person.
Don Peters
June 6, 2023
She was a great friend and I will miss her dearly. The world needs more people like Ruth. R I P
Barbara Ulrich Mount
June 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss! Loved Ruth ! She was agreat caring person! God bless ! Prayers! RIP Love Barbara Ulrich Mount!
Sandy Knuth
June 5, 2023
So sorry Karen and Joel and to your family! I really hate to hear this as she was such a joy to be around. Larry loved her like his mother and always enjoyed her company! She was well loved by many her knew her.
Bill Lee
June 5, 2023
She was one of the most fun people I've ever met
She led life to the fullest, she will be greatly missed.
Kay McCabe
June 5, 2023
I worked with Ruth at the Daycare years ago and the kids loved her to the moon and back. She was wonderful.
Joyce Markarian Williamson
June 5, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss. I never knew Mrs. Burwash by name, but whenever our paths crossed we always greeted each other with smiles and small talk. I will miss her warmth and kindness! GOD Bless her!
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Baier Family Funeral Services - Paxton406 E Pells Street, Paxton, IL 60957
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