Obituary of Ruth McCauley Whitmore Burnett

God sent his angels to escort our mother home on December 22, 2017. Through the grace of God, she's now walking and dancing with the angels in a new life. Praise God she's free from pain, suffering, dementia, and now has a clear mind and beautiful memories of her life here on earth. Throughout mama's life, she always had love for her family, friends, and our Lord and Savior. Ruthie's life began on August 1, 1922 in Lynchburg, VA, as the youngest daughter of Ruth McCauley Brautigam Whitmore and Thomas Clarence Whitmore. She had eight brothers and sisters, seven of which have reunited in heaven. They were Thomas Whitmore (Claudine), Robert Whitmore (Frances), Elizabeth Pleasants (Lester), Martha Ellen Whitmore, Annie Catherine Mamfeldt (Bob), Walter Whitmore (Carrie Lee), and Danny Whitmore. She's survived by her youngest brother and his wife, Edgar and Betty Whitmore. After marrying Joseph Rush Burnett during WWII, they raised a family of three sons and one daughter, Joseph Rush Burnett, Jr. (Diane), Thomas Lee Burnett (Wanda), James Rufus Burnett (Patty), and Cheryl Burnett Sligh (G.T.). She was so proud of her six grandchildren. They are Sarah Hill (Scott), Joanna Dolan (Dennis), William Burnett (Jennifer), Melanie Jacoby (Chris), Amy Cash (Brandon), and Ryan Sligh. Mama's family continues as she has fourteen great-grandchildren. They are McCauley, Sydney, and Lucas Hill; Spencer Cook, Grace, Ava, and Amelia Dolan; Jillian and Natalie Burnett; Brayden and Logan Jacoby; Emily and Caleb Crosby, and Harper Cash. Ruth also had four step-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren whom she loved and cared about very much. The love she had for all of us will continue to be shared for generations to come. Ruth was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where up until her decline with dementia, was involved in many church activities. She loved to cook, sew, knit, visit with friends and family, and read her Bible. She also loved watching baseball and Wheel of Fortune. We hope and pray you'll be able to join us as we honor our mother's life. The celebration will be at Duiguid Timberlake Chapel on Thursday, December 28th at 1:00pm, officiated by Pastor J.D. Surbaugh, Jr. of Temple Baptist Church. Visitation will be an hour before the service starting at 12:00pm. The celebration will continue at Spring Hill Cemetery. Please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). The family will gather at the home of G.T. and Cheryl Sligh. "Your heart will be heard in your unspoken words through generations to come."