Ruth age, 92 went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2019.

Ruth L. Burge was the eldest of three children born to the late Fred and Mary (nee Sneed) Burge in Demopolis, Alabama, on March 18, 1927.  Ruth was educated in the Demopolis City School District and graduated from U.S. Jones High School in 1946.

In her youth, Ruth attended local church services regularly with her parents in Demopolis.  After relocating to New York, she joined Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church in Staten Island, under the pastorate of Rev. Eli D. Smith.  Ruth was baptized on April 12, 1998.  She served faithfully on the Nurses Guild at Shiloh until her health began to decline.

Ruth was the proud mother of three children.  Charles E. Burge, Weinifred Burge-Barnes, and Rozelle Davis, Jr.  She was a kind and giving mother.  She loved her children dearly and beamed with joy when she spoke about them.

In search of better employment opportunities Ruth relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, for a short while and later settled in New York City.  Ruth worked in a Dry Cleaners until she decided to further her education.  She was a staunch advocate of personal growth and set the example for her children and grandchildren.  She attended school for nursing and after receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree in the late 1960s, Ruth discovered her passion and began her career.  She worked at the Hospital of Joint Disease until she retired at the age of 65.  She was attentive in the care of her patients and highly respected by her, and of her colleagues.

Ruth was an awesome baker and her family always looked forward to her 7-Up pound cake, white cake with chocolate icing, and coconut cake.  There was never a crumb left behind.  She passed on her baking skills to her niece Adrienne.  Ruth also was an avid television watcher.  She enjoyed the entire CBS soap opera line up and game shows.  Ruth enjoyed traveling as well.  She travelled as far as Hawaii but her favorite travel location was “back home” to Alabama.

Ruth was a wonderful grandmother.  Her grandchildren could always count on a timely birthday card and regular telephone calls.  She was encouraging, loving, nurturing, and supportive.  She never ended a conversation without saying “I love you.”

Ruth left an indelible mark in this world.  She had a loving and kind spirit and was a joy to be around.  She loved God and treasured her family.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Ruth transitioned from labor to reward, surrounded by family, on January 4, 2020.

She was preceded in death not only by her parents but by her brothers Fred Burge, Jr. and Jerome Daniels. Son-in-law Larry Barnes, one grandchild, three nephews, and one brother-in-law.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memories her children; Charles E. Burge (Eulilla), Weinifred Burge-Barnes, and Rozelle Davis, Jr. (Rosa), all of Cleveland, Ohio.  Grandchildren; Eric B. Hawkins, Nedra L. Hawkins, Altovise R. Hawkins, Carlisa R. Burge, and Rochelle D. Davis.   Great-grandchildren De’Aesya, Isaiah, and Jaila.  One great-great grandchild Tevin, Jr.  A devoted sister Dandy LeJoe, sister-in-law Thelma Burge, niece Adrienne LeJoe, nephew Christopher L. Burge, cousin Alfreda Simmons, and a host of other relatives and friends.