Ruthie N. Burden

Ruthie N. Burden, of Augusta, Ga, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her precious husband, Russ, and her Momma on December 29, 2024. She was born April 15,1950 to May Bishop and Otis F Lantrip in Hopkins County Hospital, Madisonville, Ky. She met the love of her life, Russ Burden, in Madisonville in 1966. After her high school graduation, they married and moved to Augusta, where they raised their family and pursued careers. Ruthie was raised with a strong Christian Faith and carried that faith her entire life. She attended Believer's Gospel Chapel with her family for many years. She and Russ visited Abilene Baptist after his stroke in 2016 and enjoyed the service so much that they continued attending. Even during both of their illnesses, they enjoyed watching Abilene online. Ruthie stayed at home until her children were in school, and then began focusing on her own career. For a few years she worked part-time and learned the basics of medical office work. She also volunteered at the local elementary school, tutoring students, assisting office staff, and serving as PTA President. During these same years she established a neighborhood Cub Scout Den and was Den Leader until her Scouts advanced to Webelos. After her children were grown, Ruthie self-studied anatomy, medical terminology, and medical coding and passed several lengthy exams to become certified in both hospital and physician coding. She worked over 20 years in physician offices, and 18 years at St Joseph/ Trinity Hospital, from which she retired in 2016. When asked what her greatest achievement was, she always said “my family.” Her order of importance was: God, family, then everything else. She loved seeing children having good, clean fun and was known for summer water battles in the backyard. While Russ grilled up a pan of burgers and dogs, she was running from an attack of water balloons, water guns, and the hose.... and a chorus of laughter. Ruthie enjoyed reading and writing poetry. She wrote many poems, won a few awards, and had the honor of being published in an anthology. Ruthie was preceded in death by her life long, loving husband, William Russell "Russ" Burden, her parents, brothers: Junior, J.R., and Grover Gibson, sisters: Wanda "Dale" Gibson and Fran Guanella and baby brother Michael Bishop. Ruthie is survived by one precious son, William Russell "Russ" Burden, Jr. (Penny), one precious daughter, Tandji Rachelle Burden Simmons (Anthony), Three adorable grandchildren, Danielle Knupp (Hank), Hannah Simmons (Sabastian), and Matthew Burden (Reagan),as well as two adorable little rays of sunshine...greatgrandchildren, Tate and Harper Knupp. Also surviving is her "adopted" son, Randy Clark of Macon. She is also survived by 3 sisters, Barbara Holeman (Allan) of Henderson, Ky, Judy Lantrip Barbour (Wayne) of Summerville, SC, , Margie Lantrip Shelton of Newburgh, IN, and three brothers; Fred Gibson of Fl., Doug Gibson (Velma)of Henderson KY, and Gary Lantrip of Tampa, FL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and several special friends. A home going and celebration of life will be held at Fairhaven Funeral Home on Friday, January 3 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift of love to Abilene Baptist Church, Martinez, GA.