Photo courtesy of Baier Family Funeral Services - Paxton
Paxton, Illinois
Feb 23, 1927 – Jun 4, 2023
On Sunday, June 4th, 2023, Ruth Burwash, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at the age of 96.
Ruth Carolyn Carter Burwash was born on February 23, 1927, in Algona, Iowa, to Fred and Martha (Callies) Carter. On February 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 that 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 17th, 2023 at The Villas of Holly Brook in Gibson City, IL, at 2 o’clock. 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 www.baierfuneralservices.com.
Read MoreJoel: 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
sterve pacey
June 19, 2023 | Paxton, IL | Friend
Single Tree
Callise (Ollom) & Frank Roach
June 15, 2023
Ray and I were privileged to know Ruth. She had enormous love for everyone
Rau & Royce Leisure
June 08, 2023 | Gibson City, IL | Friend
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
Richard Brown
June 08, 2023 | Rantoul, IL | Friend
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...
Callise Roach
June 07, 2023 | San Antonio, TX | Family
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.
Paul Burwash
June 07, 2023 | Borger, TX
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
Lena Adkins
June 06, 2023 | Sibley, IL | Friend
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.
Sharon May
June 06, 2023 | Naples, FL | Friend
She was a great friend and I will miss her dearly. The world needs more people like Ruth. R I P
Don Peters
June 06, 2023 | Paxton, IL | Friend
