Ruth was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas. After graduating from Jarrell High School she attended Nixon-Clay Business College in Austin. While in Austin she met the love of her life, J. Martin Burks, and they were married on Aug. 4, 1956 at Zion Lutheran. Thus began their 65 year life adventure together. Ruth and J. made their home in Austin’s Crestview neighborhood where they raised three children, Dean, Ricky and Donna.
Whether it was donating blood or volunteering at Austin Caregivers, Ruth had a big heart and was always giving of herself to care for others. Her biggest passion was Redeemer Lutheran Church and School. For over 60 years she served her Lord and her church in whatever capacity was needed. Ruth loved helping with the children at Redeemer Preschool and spent 18 years working there. Ruth never wanted anything in return but if you did do something nice for her you could expect a handwritten thank-you card in the mail.
Ruth and J. loved going out to the farm. It was their second home and in 2019 they were proud to receive special recognition from the Texas Legislature for the farm being in the same family for over 100 years. They both enjoyed spending long weekends cutting grass or fixing up the old farmhouse, or just relaxing on the porch enjoying the view. As their family grew, Ruth loved hosting gatherings at Easter and Christmas while bossing J. around to make it perfect.
Ruth loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The walls of her home became a gallery of portraits of them growing up. She was so proud of all of them. Ruth also loved her Longhorns, unless they were playing the Aggies. Ruth and J. were longtime season ticket holders and supporters of Longhorn Basketball, and despite the odds, her bracket always found a way to have the Horns in the final four. Ruth and J. loved going places together. From vacations to Cloudcroft, N.M. to visiting family in Indiana or Iowa they loved taking road trips together. They especially enjoyed their trips to Palo-Duro Canyon for the fourth of July, and many day trips with their antique car club friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hilda Miller, sister Lee Dora Miller, and brother Leon Miller. She is survived by her husband J. Martin Burks, sister Lillie and husband Norbert Bleeke, brother Johnny and wife Sandra Miller, her sons Dean and wife Sandy, Ricky and wife Connie, and daughter Donna. She is also survived by family member Terry Dodd Burks, grandchildren, Ashlyn DeLong, Megan Sutton, Crystal Califano, Cori MacDonald, Taylor Burks, Jared Burks, Paige Nunley and Caleb Burks. Great grandchildren, Addi, Gracie, and Kelli Califano, Mason DeLong, and Remi MacDonald who all will cherish her memory forever.
A special thanks to Natalie, Bruce and the entire hospice staff that helped the family during this difficult time. Memorials can be made in Ruth’s name to Redeemer Lutheran Pre-School Endowment Fund.
A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Anderson Lane on Dec. 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
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