Ruth Mae Burleson, 73, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Ruth was a daughter of the late Milburn “BUD” Valentine and Maggie Lorene Baker Valentine and a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers; Eber Bennett and Eugene Bennett, sisters; Annie Bell Bennett, Loretta B. Ashe, Blanche V. Turner, Ida V. Williams and Vella V. O’Neal and great granddaughter Alanna Lorene Wilkes.

Ruth enjoyed crocheting, gardening in her yard, visiting Harrah’s Casino for some excitement, watching T.V. shows, playing games on her tablet and loved drinking a warm cup of coffee. Out of all her favorite things to do, Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family the most. She was very honored to be a wife, mother, sister and grandmother to all of her loved ones.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Rick Burleson of 38 years as well as her daughters; Traci Leigh Smith of Hendersonville, N.C. and Michelle Phillips of Hendersonville, N.C., her sons; Philip Burleson (Lisa) of Mills River, N.C. and Anthony Burleson of South Carolina, sister Glenna V. Hodge of Candler, N.C. as well as 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per the wishes of Ruth herself, no funeral services will be scheduled.

The care of Ruth Mae Burleson has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available under Obituaries at www.wellsfuneralhome.com