Beverly L. Burbridge

Beverly L. (Ruth) Burbridge, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her Shelton home on September 27, 2021.

Beverly was born in Peoria, AZ, in 1928, to William Ruth (Maricopa County deputy) and Nellie James (from Oklahoma) who was a second cousin to Jesse James. Beverly was always proud to be related to George Herman (Babe) Ruth. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School and married Raymond Clyde McCally. Beverly later moved to San Francisco with her three-year old son, Raymond Earl McCally.

In 1959, she met and married Robert L Burbridge, U.S. Navy veteran, and professional race car driver. After the birth of Robert (Robbie) D. Burbridge, the family of four relocated to Agana Guam following Robert’s military orders. The U.S. Navy returned Beverly’s family to the states and was stationed in San Diego, CA. Beverly and Robert later moved to Port Hueneme Seabee Base near Oxnard, CA. where Robert was reassigned and stayed there until his retirement from the U.S. Navy. Both of Beverly’s sons went on to serve in the U.S. Army.

Beverly held an array of different jobs during her lifetime. She was employed as a soda jerk, telephone operator for Bell Telephone, a secretary for the Arizona Highway Department, Civil Service employee, bookkeeper/accountant, and hotel receptionist, of which she truly enjoyed. Eventually, Robert and Beverly relocated to the Puget Sound area to be close to their grandchildren.

Beverly was an avid seamstress, quilter, and member of Christmas Town Quilters as well as a member of the California Cling Peach Advisory Board. She was passionate about ensuring all Mason General Hospital newborn babies leave with their first quilt. She was a staunch supporter and fan of the Shelton High Climbers, members of the military, the USO, law enforcement, postal workers, and the fire service.

Beverly is preceded in death by her brother E. Wayne Ruth and her husband Robert (Bob) Burbridge. She is survived by her sons Ray (Trish) and Robbie (Jill), her three grandchildren Kyle, Kasey, and Karli, and her great-grandson Bronson, who was a special bright star in her life. Her surrogate family Matthew Knotegen and Julie Koop entered her life and were always loved and welcomed. Beverly’s faithful companion and always present K-9 partner ‘Mr. Lou’, guarded her, helped her finish her meals, and loved her to the end.

Always our Queen Bee, the family of Beverly wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Carlos Rubio-Reyes for providing hospice care. We want to specifically thank her amazing and wholesome hospice nurse ‘Patience’ from Zimbabwe. In lieu of a memorial service, Beverly asked that you reach out to your first responders and medical/healthcare workers to thank them for their dedication, care, and compassion for our community.