Ruth Pauline Burton

Ruth P. Burton departed this life peacefully at home on May 7, 2023 at the age of 96, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 17, 1927 in Montclair, NJ to Henry and Pauline Jackson, Ruth was the third of five children.  She was the 3rd generation of a 7 generation Montclair family.  She was raised in Montclair and lived there 81 years before moving to Glen Ridge in 2008.  She was educated in the Montclair School System.

At the age of nine, Ruth became a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.  The youth programs offered at the church were the highlight of her week.  As an adult, she was active in the United Methodist Women and other ministries.  She worshipped faithfully every Sunday until she was too ill to attend.

Ruth married the boy next door, Joseph Burton.  They first met when he was twelve years old.  His family moved next door to her family on Linden Avenue in Montclair.  She was ten years old. They became fast friends and then sweethearts in high school. Together they raised four children, James, Ronald, Sharon and Douglas.

Her four children were her pride and joy.  You always could count on Ruth to be present at all of their activities.  She was the loudest cheerleader.  Their friends knew that she also was there to support and encourage them as well.  She was a source of love, support and understanding whenever needed.

When her youngest child was nearing high school age, she accepted employment at Concord Insurance Company in Newark, NJ as a bookkeeper.  She was there for 10 years leaving their employ to resume her role as cheerleader for her six grandchildren.  She did not miss a school program, athletic game, recital or graduation.  She was there lovingly supporting them all.

Ruth loved going to the theatre on Broadway.  She enjoyed knitting and sewing mother and daughter dresses for her and her daughter. She had a flair for fashion.  Her outfits were always stylist with the perfect matching scarf, hat, shoes and handbag. She loved a competitive game of Scrabble and Jeopardy.  She was a loyal New York Yankees baseball fan.  Every month she traveled to the casinos in Atlantic City or Pennsylvania with her senior citizens group or her children.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years Joseph; siblings Barbara Burton, Henry Jackson, Jr., Bernice Jackson and Margaret Roberts.

She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her children, James, Ronald (Carolyn), Sharon Burton Turner (Lincoln), and Douglas (Sandra); grandchildren Lauren Burton (Marvin), Christopher, James, Jr; Alison Garvey (Sean), Duane, Teri Grant (Errol), step grandchildren, Robin Turner and Lincoln O. Turner; 7 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson as well as many  nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the caring and compassionate nursing team at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Hospice of New Jersey and her home care aides, Nasheem, Lurline and Violet. We are forever thankful and grateful to our mother’s guardian angel, Jennifer who cared for our mother with an overflowing abundance of love.

It has been said that our mother was part of the “greatest generation” laying the foundations for our country and creating greater opportunities for all in our community of Black and Brown Americans.

If you would like to honor Ruth’s memory, contributions can be made to:

Montclair Scholarship Fund

100 Chestnut Street

Montclair, NJ 07042

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