Mary Ruth Burk, 68, of De Leon, went home to her Lord and Savior Thursday, March 6, 2014.

Born October 24, 1945 in Amarillo to John Benjamin and Beola Marguerite Rector, Mary grew up in Cactus, Texas and graduated from Dumas High School in 1964. She then attended and graduated from the Harris School of Nursing at Texas Christian University in 1968.

Mary married Michael Glenn Burk in Cactus, Texas August 23, 1969. In 1977, they moved to De Leon. Mary practiced as a registered nurse from 1968 until she retired in 2005. She worked at the De Leon Hospital for 25 years. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of De Leon, serving as the Vice President of the United Methodist Woman (UMW).

She enjoyed reading and was an active member of the So Many Books, So Little Time Book Club of De Leon. She loved playing games and being with her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and friend and will be missed by many.

Mary is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dr. Michael G. Burk; sons, Paul Burk and wife, Diana, of San Ramon, CA, John Burk and wife, Kathy, of Fort Worth, and Kenneth Hunter Burk of Warner Robins, GA; daughter, Dr. Patti Olusola and husband, Dr. Bola Olusola, of Tyler; grandchildren, Jordan and Ryan Burk of Lubbock, Seyi and BJ Olusola of Tyler, and Dax and Dane Burk of Fort Worth; brothers, Ben Rector and wife, Jackie, of Denton, James Rector and wife, Carol, of Sugarland, Ken Rector and wife, Rita, of Spring Branch, and Richard Rector and wife, Karen, of Kerrville; aunt, Evelyn Kirby of Abilene; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service celebrating Mary's life was held Sunday, March 9, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of De Leon. Pastor Judy Richmond officiated the service.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church at 616 South Houston Street, De Leon, in memory of Mary.