Ruth Burke

Ruth Agnes Burke, 98, of Lansing passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, October 26 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, with Rev. John Moser as celebrant. Interment will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing.
Ruth Agnes, the daughter of Joseph and Nora (Pierce) Hammel, was born May 15, 1915 on a farm in Lansing Township, rural Lansing. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School.
Ruth was united in marriage with Charles Burke June 7, 1938 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. Charles preceded her in death January 21, 1968. After the death of her husband, Ruth was employed at the St. George School Cafeteria in Lansing and was a study hall supervisor. After St. George’s closed, she was employed as a teacher’s aide at the Eastern Allamakee Elementary School until she retired.
Ruth was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving on various committees, and she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society. She was a member of the Heritage Club and kept herself active by doing volunteer work. Ruth was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Ruth is survived by her five children, Daniel Burke and William (Derva) Burke of Lansing, Kathleen (Patrick) Houlihan of La Crosse, WI, Rosemary Burke of Lansing and Margaret (Gary) Pogodzinski of New Berlin, WI; 12 grandchildren, Brian, Tom and Serena, Katie and Sean (Mandie), Erin (Kris), Colin and Tara (Mike), Shannon and Tiffany (Joe) Ryan, and Justin; five great-grandchildren, Connor, Dylan, Wells, Maia and Apple; and one brother, Ralph Hammel of Dorchester.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents; five brothers, Clair, Paul, Francis, Donald and Robert Hammel; one sister, Marcella Collins; an infant sister, Mary; and several nieces and nephews.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com.