John Burrier

1929 - 2025

John Murray Burrier of Middletown, MD, passed from this life peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025 with family at his side on his beloved Valley Ho Farm. He was 95 years old, just shy of his 96th birthday on December 10. John was the son of the late Murray Burrier and Lerah Stull Burrier.

Rooted deeply in faith, family, and hard-work, John lived a humble and steadfast life. As the oldest son of seven children growing up on a farm in Union Bridge, he learned the values which shaped every chapter of his life. A devoted farmer, John and his wife, Ruth Ellen, purchased Valley Ho Farm in 1962. With quiet determination and unwavering integrity, he built a successful dairy operation and cared for the land God entrusted to him. Farming was his true passion, and he remained active on the farm until his final days. John embodied the belief that meaningful work is an expression of faith and love. Alongside farming, John looked forward each year to the family tradition of butchering and was always ready to play a competitive card game of 500.

John is survived by his loving daughters Kaye (Jeff) B. Derr, Susan L. Harne, and Lois (Ike) E. Ahalt; sisters Doris R. Arbaugh and Mary Ann Albaugh; and brothers Kenneth 'Joe' Burrier and Fred Burrier. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jessica (Bryan) Biggs, Janelle (Mark) Guglielmini, Joni (Cory) Wiles, Jonathan (Alyssa) Minchoff, Christopher (Jamie) Derr, Jillana (Brian) Lizzi, Jana (Matthew) Horne, and step-grandchildren Kaitlin (Keith) Pivonski and Rebecca (Ale) Aquilar. He is lovingly remembered by his many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His family will be comforted by many of his thoughtful wise words, including "the sun will always rise tomorrow, no matter the problems today brings." He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ruth Ellen Ifert Burrier, who shared his deep faith and commitment to family; his granddaughter Jennifer Harne Keller; son-in-law George Harne; his brother Frank and sister Verna; and a special companion, Mary Smith.

Arrangements are managed by Thompson -Harman Funeral Home in Middletown, MD. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, MD, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church 107 West Main St, Middletown, MD 21769 or Frederick Health Hospice 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21702

John Burrier