Ruth Burke

Ruth Ellen Burke, 78 of Independence, MO passed away, Sunday, February 9, 2014 at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, MO. Cremation is planned with a private family gathering to be held at a later date. Donations may be made in her name to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or at www.nmcrs.org Ruth was born January 11, 1936 in Eldorado Springs, MO to Carl and Violet (Burris) Woodford. She grew up in Eldorado Springs, and graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, MO in 1953. She was a beloved wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed puzzles and was an avid Chiefs and Mizzou fan. She was most proud of her family’s 3rd generation commitment to the US Navy, including her husband, her children and grandchildren. She is survived by; her husband of 59 years, Ed Burke of the home; 3 daughters, Carla Jenkins and husband Ross of Lee’s Summit, MO, Linda Burke of Norfolk, VA and Brenda Wise and husband Charles of Blue Springs, MO; 2 sons, Dan Burke and wife Denise and David Burke and wife Emily both of Virginia Beach, VA; 8 grandchildren, Stephen Jenkins, Heather Taylor, Anthony Burke, Chelsea Burke, Katelyn Burke, Annie Rose Elliot, Amanda Wise and Carlie Wise and 2 great granddaughters, Lillian Marie Young and Leila Christian Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Angela Burke, a sister, Barbara Elaine Pace and a brother, Ralph Woodford. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)