Ruthann “Ruthie” Burrus (Price) was born on July 31, 1945, in Aurora, Illinois to John and Annie Price. On December 27 2024 at 10:53 am Ruthie went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Shortly after her birth, Ruthie, along with her older brother Carl, lost her first mother; they were soon gifted with their lifelong mother, Shirley Price. After the birth of her first two sisters, Mary Beth and Judy, in 1952 along with Ruthie’s beloved grandparents and aunt and uncle, the family moved from Illinois to Southern California. The family was made complete with four more sisters, Joanie, Martha, Dorothy and Lisa eventually making its way to Riverside, CA. Around Christmas, 1961 Ruthie met her future husband, Fran Burrus whom she famously first called, “Frank.” On July 30, 1965, Fran and Ruthie married. Around this time Ruthie began her long career as a banker starting as a bank teller. Their first son, Scott was born in 1970 followed by Kevin in 1975.

The young family moved to Goleta, CA in 1978. Ruthie continued her career in banking as secretary to a banking executive who quickly recognized her many talents and nominated Ruthie for the bank’s in-house management training program. Although she never completed college, Ruthie’s intelligence and tenacity resulted in her quickly rising through the ranks eventually becoming a bank Vice President, leading many branches as a manager. She was recognized numerous times for her ability to exceed sales goals while maintaining her Christian values always prioritizing honestly and kindness above profit. Ruthie and Fran were active members of their church, Trinity Baptist leading multiple bible studies; and Ruthie was also involved in multiple charities, including Junior League and Girls, Inc. Her service included volunteering in the mid-1980’s for an AIDS hospice, coordinating a Christian retreat for Santa Barbara Couples in Mt. Herman, CA, leading “Walk to Emmaus” spiritual renewal weekends, among many, many events serving a wide range of communities in Santa Barbara County.

In 2005, Ruthie and Fran left their beloved Santa Barbara community to live closer to their boys and their families who relocated to Portland, Oregon. Ruthie became an active member of Summit View Covenant Church (ultimately working as church secretary) and finally retired after working several years at Providence St. Vincent Hospital as a greeter. Ruthie’s greatest achievement was her family, whom she bragged about to anyone who would listen. Ruthie became grandma to Annie and Maiya and “nana” to Ada, Everett and Miles. Being a grandmother was Ruthie’s greatest joy, and she approached this joy with every fiber in her being.

Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Carl, her sister Martha and her granddaughter, Annie. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 60 years, her sons, their respective spouses, John and Laura, granddaughters Maiya and Ada and grandsons, Everett and Miles. Her loss leaves an indescribable loss, but her memory as the sweetest, kindest sister, wife (“dear” and “my sweet lady”), mother, and grandmother forever lives in our hearts.  

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