Nellie Ruth Burke, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away on April 19, 2018, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Mobile, Al., but was raised in New Orleans. She has resided in Chattanooga for the last 42 years.
Mrs. Burke was a former member of the choir at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She was a great cook, an artist, loved oil painting and was the original DIY’er. She was an avid animal lover. She had a kind heart and a gentle way about her.
Mrs. Burke was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Edwin L. Burke, Jr.; son, E.L. Burke III; and grandson, E.L. Burke IV.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Pat Burke and his wife Becky of Corpus Christi, Tx., and Jeff Burke and his wife Vicki of Canton, GA; daughter, Reenie Stafford and her husband Vince of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Michael Burke II, Chrissy Albarenga, Megan Burke, Lauren Burke, Ashley Greene, Erin Burke, Sara Stafford, Savanna Stafford, Riley Stafford, Christy Irps, and Shelly Hanneman; 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; and her faithful cat, Kelly.
The family will receive friends 4–7 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace with a Scripture reading to follow at 7 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Soddy Daisy, with Monsignor Al Humbriecht and Father Bertin Glennon officiating. Entombment will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staffs of The Terrace at Mountain Creek and Hospice of Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the East Tennessee Alliance for Animals at www.etaarescue.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com.