Ruth M. Burnett

Ruth M. Burnett, Loving Mother, Grandmother and Great- Grandmother, 93, Rockford, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2013. The youngest of 8, she was born in Poplar Grove on February 25, 1920; the daughter of Gulick and Mabel (Anderson) Georgeson. Ruth graduated from Capron High School class of 1937. She then attended UW Whitewater from 1938-1939. Ruth married James W. Burnett II on July 26, 1947; he preceded her in death on October 23, 1977. Ruth was proud of her Norwegian heritage; she was always welcoming and could light up any room. She was filled with kind words, never raised her voice and always put others before herself. Ruth's care and compassion for others was evident through the countless years she spent as a volunteer at SwedishAmerican Hospital. In 1967, the year of the Belvidere Tornado, she along with the help of others, opened the VFW to shelter those impacted by the devastation. She continued to serve as a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary, the Moose and also as a devoted lifelong member of Alpine Lutheran Church. Ruth was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; her family takes comfort in knowing that she's in heaven walking the streets of gold. The family would like to thank all who cared for Ruth during her illness, especially, Cora Woods. Ruth is survived by her sons, James W. (Denice) Burnett III and Steven (Linda) Burnett; daughter, Ellen Ruth (James) Kruse; grandchildren, Brian Burnett, Jennifer Johnson, Shawn Burnett, Lisa Crossen, Heather Reyes, Barbara Kruse, Amanda Strawn, Matthew Burnett, Christina Burnett, Timothy Burnett, Emily Burnett, Joshua Burnett and Micah Burnett; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; husband, James; sisters, Marion Georgeson, Iolene Gilbertson, Anna Loft, Neva Holtfreter, Iva Maitland and Helen Juris; infant brother, Earl Georgeson and great-granddaughter, Paige Burnett. Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Ave. Pastor Woody Knutson officiating. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Church.