Ruth B. Burrows

Ruth Beverly Burrows, 89, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on May 18, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming.

Born in Wolf Point, Montana, Ruth was the youngest of ten children of Andreas and Marie Hoversland. She was the cherished “bookend” to her 22-year-older sister Lydia, with eight brothers in between. Ruth began her education in a one-room schoolhouse before her family moved into town. From a young age, she assisted her mother with household tasks but always longed to be outdoors working alongside her father and brothers.

After graduating from Wolf Point High School, Ruth pursued nursing at Montana State College in Bozeman. While training in Great Falls, she met Lt. Keith Burrows at a Wesleyan Bible study for young adults. They married on May 25, 1957, following a brief engagement. Keith’s Air Force career took them across the country, where they built a life and welcomed four children: Kathy and David in Anchorage, Alaska; John in Clovis, New Mexico; and Julia in Riverside, California.

Following Keith’s retirement, the family settled in Lakewood, Colorado. Ruth’s nursing skills were a source of strength and compassion, especially caring for Kathy, who had cerebral palsy, and Keith during his illness and eventual passing in 1987.

Throughout her life, Ruth embodied a deep devotion to her family, her faith, and her community. She travelled extensively to attend family weddings, graduations, births and funerals, even to Norway to explore her father's homeland. In 1990 she married Jim McFetridge. She warmly embraced his daughter Cheryl (Don) Siemens of Casper and their family. Following Jim’s death in 2005 and Kathy’s in 2006, Ruth moved to Casper in 2015 with her beloved dachshund, Holly. There, she formed new friendships and grew close to her nephew Scott and his family, enjoying Sunday dinners and holiday lefse-making traditions.

Ruth found joy in creating with her hands- sewing, crocheting, quilting, rug braiding, rosemaling, embroidery, and baking. Her mother’s gingersnap cookie recipe became her signature treat, beloved by many. Her faith remained central throughout her life; she found renewed spiritual strength after Keith's death and loved attending church conventions, always striving to do the Lord's will.

Ruth’s infectious laughter, unwavering love, and selfless care for her family remained constant throughout her life.

She is survived by her sons David (Cathi) Burrows and John Burrows of Leavenworth, KS; daughter Julia (Ron) Behnke of Laramie, WY; stepdaughter Cheryl (Don) Siemens of Casper, WY; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, all her siblings, and her daughter Kathy.

Interment will be held at a later date, at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested that donations be made to the Casper Senior Center or Easterseals.

Please click here to watch the LiveStreamed service. 

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