Obituary of Rutheda W. Burke

Rutheda Whitney Burke, 84, of Baldwinsville passed away May 1 at Crouse Hospital with her family by her side. Born on February 3rd, 1934 in Ticonderoga, New York. She was the daughter of the late Charles Tyrrell and Winnifred Reaffel Whitney. Ruth was a graduate of Glens Falls High School, class of 1951. She continued her studies at the University of Vermont where she met her late husband, James Edward Burke. They were wed on April 3rd, 1954 and celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Ruth worked as a Lab Technician for Upstate Medical Center and as an Administrative Assistant at Pre-paid Health Plan (PHP). As an active mom, she was known for her roles as bus driver for the Drum & Bugle Corps, Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 189, Girl Scout Troop Leader, and following her children through their school years working in the various Baldwinsville school cafeterias. Ruth was a fan of S.U. sporting events, a supporter of the Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse Pops. She was one of the earliest members of Baldwinsville's St. Augustine's Church and was very active in the parish. Over the years she served as a choir director, organist and a member of the choir. She also contributed through many of the church's faith ministries. In 2012, Bishop Cunningham presented Ruth and her husband with the Immaculata Award. She volunteered her time and love of cooking to hospice at Francis House. Her life was filled with numerous books, solved puzzles, intricate quilts, and close Card Club friends. Ruth's family always came first in her life and she especially loved spending summers with them at her home in the Adirondacks. Predeceased by her husband, James Edward Jackson Burke and her younger sister, Kathryn Whitney Batt. Survived by her devoted children: Michael Burke, Kelly (Edward Sharp) Burke, Patricia (Bill) Karl and Brian (Robin) Burke; brother Clarence (Carol) Whitney; brother-in-law: David Batt; grandchildren: Jamie (Bruce) DeVore, Benjamin Sharp, Jackson Sharp, Whitney (Eric) Ennis, Sarah Karl, Logan Karl, Natalie Karl, Lauren Burke, Kathryne Burke and Erin Burke; great grandchild: Colt Jameson DeVore. Services: 12:00 pm May 7th, 2018, at St. Augustine's Church, 7333 O'Brien Road, Baldwinsville. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Baldwinsville. The family will receive friends 9:30am -12pm at St. Augustine's Church directly before the mass. Contributions: In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Augustine's Church and Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208.