Ruth Burley Obituary

Burlington - Ruth Ann Burley passed away on February 9th in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Plentywood, Montana to Christian and Vera Christensen on October 29, 1936. She grew up on a farm and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. As a child she spent countless hours riding horses, sledding, and skating with her sister Patricia and her brother Gene. She graduated with a degree in business from the University of Montana in 1958, where she met and married Jerry Schreuder in June of that year. They had four children together: Jane, Lee, Christian, and Laura. She married Richard Burley in 1990 and spent many happy years with him until he passed away in 2020.

Ruth Ann lived in Bow, WA for 59 years, and recently moved to Burlington. She was employed as a business education teacher, church secretary, caregiver, piano teacher, and musician. She was a talented pianist and organist for several churches and events who never lost the thrill of learning a new piece of music. Friendship, faith, and music filled her days. She was a devoted member of the local Faith Lutheran and Edison Lutheran churches.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Jane Schreuder, husband, Richard Burley, parents, Vera and Christian Christensen, and brother, Gene Christensen.

She treasured her family and friends throughout her life, and we will cherish her gifts of laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. She is survived by her sister, Pat Werle, children, Lee (Ren) Schreuder, Chris (Woo Chun) Schreuder, Laura (Carlton) Steele, grandchildren, Annika and Cody Steele, stepchildren, Richard, Celeste, Susan, Dexter, and Ron Burley, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth Ann will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, positivity, and open heart. A celebration of life service will be held at Edison Lutheran Church (14201 Church Road, Bow, WA) on Saturday, March 14th at 2:00pm. All are welcome.