Ruby Burroughs

Ruby F. Burroughs passed away on July 10, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 87th birthday. Born on July 30, 1939, in Stanton, Texas. She was the daughter of Clark Wood and Jean Lourie (Cockrell) Brady. Ruby’s life was marked by love and devotion to her family, dedication to her work and peace she found in her faith in Jesus Christ.

Ruby lived in many places as a little girl but the time she and her brother Merle Travis Wood spent living with their Granny Cockrell and family in Meridian, Texas always held a special place in her heart. She graduated from Paola High School with the class of 1957.

Ruby was united in marriage to Don K. Burroughs on December 27, 1959, in Paola, Kansas. Their marriage produced two sons Lance Burroughs, Sr., Princeton, KS and Todd Burroughs and wife Lynnett, Williamsburg, KS. Other survivors include her sister Sherry Stone of Ottawa; a stepdaughter Lori (Burroughs) Skilling and husband Wes, Ottawa, KS; grandchildren Dustin (Caitlyn) Meyers, Overland Park, KS; Devin Meyers, Ottawa, KS; Lance (Nicole) Burroughs, Jr., Ottawa, KS; Melissa Burroughs (Leland) Tatum, San Francisco, CA; Julia Burroughs (Josh) Jones, Clute, TX; Seth (Ella) Burroughs, Richmond, KS, Cass (Adelyn) Burroughs, Manhattan, KS; Ely Burroughs, Manhattan, KS; and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents and her brother.

Ruby was a devoted member of the First Christian Church of Ottawa, where she enjoyed serving and fellowshipping with others for decades. She spent 13 years working with her husband, Don, at Burroughs Real Estate and Insurance and then had a long career with COF Training Services where she enjoyed serving the many clients there. Her passion was following her children and grandchildren in the many school and sporting events throughout the years. Her home was always the gathering place for them and their friends, many of whom continue to call her, their second mom, to this day. You could always find her in the stands cheering on all of her “kids” and calling them each by their own nicknames. Ruby’s alone time was centered around her home where she loved a hot cup of Taster’s Choice instant coffee, listening to Elvis sing and working in the yard caring for her lawn and landscaping. She was a multiple time winner of the “Yard of the Month”!

Ruby was beautiful and graceful lady with baby blue eyes and a smile that would warm your heart. She will be missed by her family and friends but how happy we are that she is now in the comforting presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family, friends, and all whose lives Ruby touched are invited to gather and honor her memory at a visitation on August 4, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Crematory, 235 S Hickory St, Ottawa, KS 66067. A graveside service will follow on August 5, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 875 Finney Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095

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