Anna Ruth Burnside

Born and raised in Seminole Heights, she was a proud Tampa native that loved her city, and often said how lucky she was to live here. She raised her family in River Grove surrounded by great neighbors. Many that remained lifelong friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alice (DeMeza) Beck; husband of 38 years, Judge Walter N. Burnside, Jr. “Boogie”; brother and sister-in-law Mervin and Jackie (Burnside) Anderson; nephew Michael Anderson; niece Mitzi Anderson; son-in-law Stuart E. Trice and Vincent J. Sultenfuss, Sr, her companion of 17 years.

Annie graduated from Hillsborough High School, midterm 1949, and attended the University of Tampa. In her early years, she worked as the receptionist in the Mayor's Office under Curtis Hixon; Mayor Pro-tern, J. L. Young, Jr.; and Nick Nuccio. Once her children were older, she returned to the work force. Spending 19 years as secretary to the principal at Tampa Catholic High School.

Annie believed in giving back to the community. She was active as a volunteer in hospital auxiliaries at Hillsborough County Hospital (served as president) and University Community Hospital (now Advent Hospital).

She served on the State Board of the Association of Florida Hospital Auxiliaries as both state chairman of Teen Age Volunteers and as Recording Secretary. She also served as president of the Parent's Association at Epiphany Elementary School.

She is survived by her children Carol Jean Burnside Trice, Nancy Burnside Grotecloss (Gary), Walter Burnside and Albert Burnside (Christine). Her grandchildren Nathan Trice, Stephen Trice, Justin Corbett (Hannah Reece) Ashley Grotecloss (Cory Beyer) and Alexander Burnside. Two great grandchildren, Tobias Chasse and Damien Corbett. Also survived by her sister Doris Beck Sparks (Jerry) and their family. Jay Sparks (Joan), Janice Sparks Caissie (Ray), Cheryl Sparks Rountree(Andreas Klemm), Bob Sparks (Suzanne); nieces Gabrielle Anderson; Erin Anderson DeLong (Jared). Cousins Mary Cueto Diaz and Sharon Peryea (Hal). Along with many other extended family members.

Anna Ruth held a special place in her heart for all of her Sultenfuss bonus family. She had good times with them, and remained particularly close to Marion Hanlon (Dave), Jackie Hanlon Varon (Josh and baby Vincent), Hailey Hanlon, Marie King Colbert (Patton and children Hal, Mark and Vincent), Vincent Jr. (Sarah).

Anna Ruth lived the last twelve years on Harbour Island where she enjoyed visits, and “walks and talks” with all of her neighbors. Anna Ruth had a way of connecting with people that made them feel special. She befriended people from all walks of life, and truly never met a stranger. She will be sorely missed by the many people she called friend.

The family would like to thank the staff at MAA Apartments Harbour Island for the kindness and care shown through the years. A caring staff, and a little extra help this last year, allowed Anna Ruth to continue to live independently, which was so important to her.

A special thank you to her longtime trainer, Samantha Patryn, who kept Anna Ruth motivated and strong, and was like a granddaughter to her. Also to her neighbor, Dr Jim Gillen, who provided great comfort in her final hours at TGH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Anna Ruth’s memory to one of her favorite charities (WEDU, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Metropolitan Ministries and Tampa Catholic High School) or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave., Tampa, Fl. A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, immediately followed by the service at 12:00 pm and burial at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park at 1:00 pm.