Obituary of Betty Ruth Burk

Please click here for the Live-Stream link

BURK: Betty Ruth (nee Irwin)

July 29, 1930 - June 30, 2024

Betty Ruth Burk, 93, of Ridgetown, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Jessica’s House, Exeter, surrounded by family. She was born in Chatham to Thomas and Bessie (Montgomery) Irwin on July 29, 1930. She grew up in Raleigh Township with her brother Robert, working on the family farm, having fun with cousins and extended family and caring for her aging grandparents. She attended the local one room school house and Chatham High School, where she discovered her quick mind for math. She often fondly shared stories of her childhood and fun family game nights.

After finishing school, Betty Ruth went on to work at the bank and then the local grain mill. Here she met Reginald Grist Burk, her husband of 56 years (married March 3, 1956).

They spent their early years working hard on their farm at RR#2 Ridgetown; delivering peaches, growing grain and raising cattle. Even in their later years, their massive vegetable gardens were legendary. Some of the fondest family memories were days spent planting, weeding, picking, and especially preserving the bounty.

She was an active member of the order of the Eastern Star, Mecca Chapter #58 for 67 years, serving as District Deputy Grand Matron from 1970-1971. Betty Ruth was a member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church for many years.

Betty Ruth along with her husband Reg were part of a massive figure skating community. They spent countless hours volunteering in the sport and travelling far and wide cheering on Canadian athletes.

They also spent their early golden years with their camping trailer and later fifth wheel travelling across Canada and the US. They had a knack for making friends wherever they went and Betty Ruth had an amazing memory for people’s names, faces and stories. Generally when she was around there was less than 7 degrees of separation.

Betty Ruth is predeceased by her husband Reginald Burk, parents Thomas and Bessie Irwin, brother Thomas “Robert” and sister in law Jennie Irwin, daughter in law Renee Burk, great grandson Jakob Cardiff and her niece Karen Hellerman. She leaves behind her three loving children; Stewart Burk, Myrna Jenken (Ron) and Robert Burk (Lisa). She is survived by her eight grandchildren Andrea Burk (Andrew), Mandy Bristow (Sean), Brian Burk (Renata), Julia Loft (Mark), JaelaVanBommel, Madison and Carson Burk. She is greatly loved and missed by her great grandchildren, Joelene Cardiff, Grover and Harrison Johnston, Jesse and Justin Bristow, Carolann Burk, Tyler and Nicholas VanBommel and Emmett Loft. Lovingly remembered by the Park and Irwin families, especially her niece Betsy Irwin.

Special thank you to those who surrounded Betty Ruth in community through her life, especially after Reg’s passing. The Boersma’s who treated Betty Ruth like family. Jeff and Anita, Chris and Aileen and families allowed Betty Ruth to enjoy her independence and final years on the farm. Julie Callow was Betty Ruth’s friend and caregiver for many years and they loved to share tea and treats as they caught up on the local news. Joyce Woods was a lifelong friend and made sure Betty Ruth was able to attend local events in her later years.

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Thursday, July 4, 2024 from 11:00am until the Eastern Star Service at 1:30pm, followed by a Funeral Service with Rev. Paul Shaw officiating. Interment to follow at Botany Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Betty to Jessica's House Hospice or Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141