Ruth Burghard

Ruth A. Burghard, 79, of Mansfield, died Saturday, June 19, 2004 after an extended illness. Born Ruth Anna Wire on November 22, 1924, in North Tonawanda, New York, to the late William E. and Edna A. Wines Wire, she attended Col. Payne and Felton Grammar Schools and graduated from North Tonawanda High School. She was also a graduate of the Stainbrook Secretarial School in New York. Before her marriage, Ruth was a buyer for the W.T. Grant Store in New York. She married the Rev. Gillman Lee Burghard on December 1, 1950 and they moved to Mansfield in 1953 where she had been a resident for 51 years. Her husband preceded her in death on December 17, 1965 at which time she took over his business, Burghard's Accounting and worked as a tax accountant and bookkeeper. She was a charter member of the Sweet Adeline's International Chorus, which performed all over the state and was an avid supporter of Barbershop music for men and women. Ruth was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, where she was the Youth Director during the 1960s, sang in the choir and represented her congregation as a delegate to the Annual Conference and was a Stephen Minister for many years. She was also a member and officer of the YMCA UNA Wives, and was active as a Leader in the 50s and 60s for Girl Scouts of America. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at the Renaissance Theater and working with the Senior Citizens and families in need through her church. Family and friends enjoyed her welcoming personality and sense of humor. She spent her quality time with her family and loved to take care of her three grandchildren. She had an extensive clown and angel collection that she claimed she collected because she was a clown and wanted to be an angel. Her favorite Bible verses were Micah 6:8 and I Corinthians and her favorite hymns were 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' and 'How Great Thou Art'.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ruthie R. and David A. Fisher of Mansfield; son, Dean Burghard and Carrie of Mansfield; grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa Fisher and Michael Hagerman of Columbus, Melinda Fisher and Jeremy Sansom of Butler and Samuel Fisher of Mansfield; one great-grandson, Tyler Hagerman of Columbus; a brother, William E. Wire of California; and a sister, Phila A. Wire Bell of New York. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis A. Wire Watters.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Friends may call at the funeral home one-hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Parkinson's Foundation, Northwest Region, Inc., 12740 Twp. Rd. 114, Fostoria, Ohio 44830.