Laura Ruth Burr's Obituary
Laura “Ruth” Harper Burr, a loving wife, devoted mother, doting grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023, at the age of 92. She is survived by her daughters Deborah Evans (and grandchildren, Hayley Fournier and Preston Evans), Wendy Gaule (and grandchildren, Jenna Gaule and Griffin Gaule), and Janice Burr, whose well-being was always at the forefront of Ruth’s thoughts and actions.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harry George Burr, her mother, Gladys May Prince, her sister-in-law and closest friend, Rose Rolnick, son-in-law John Evans, and grandson Jonathan Betts. In their memory, she carried the warmth of their love with her throughout her life.
Ruth was born in 1931 in Hickman County, Tennessee, and later moved to Savannah, Georgia. Ruth was proud of her deep southern roots, and enjoyed sharing the culinary and aesthetic traditions reminiscent of her upbringing with her friends and family throughout her life. As a young woman, Ruth worked as a flight attendant (or “stewardess”) for Braniff International. Through friends, she was introduced to her beloved husband of 56 years, Harry, and they were married in 1953. Ruth served as a volunteer for Parkland Hospital, doing what she did best, caring for the well-being of others.
Ruth's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant spirit. She found solace in painting, creating beautiful works of art that will be cherished by her family. Her garden was also a place of refuge. Her passion for interior decorating and maintaining beauty in her surroundings always created a warm and welcoming home for family to gather and spend time with one another. Ruth frequently hosted holiday and birthday dinners, where she prepared delicious meals, of which her recipes will be passed down and enjoyed for years to come. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel around the world, exploring new horizons and creating unforgettable memories with her husband Harry and dear friends, Sandy and Jack Weins, especially in her favorite destination, Lake Como in Northern Italy.
Ruth’s warm, loving spirit and unwavering support for others will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew her. Ruth possessed a quiet strength from which she advocated for her family and strangers alike, which serve as important life lessons for her children and grandchildren. Ruth’s love for her family was boundless, especially for her daughter Janice, whom she cared for tirelessly until her final days. Ruth's commitment to her family was the cornerstone of her life, and her legacy of putting others before herself will continue to inspire and comfort those who had the privilege of knowing her.
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