Mary Ruth Styes Burroughs

At the age of 99, our precious Momma and Mawmaw Burroughs, Mary Ruth Styes Burroughs (September 25, 1926 - December 31, 2025), stepped into Glory and into the arms of Jesus. She was cared for by Moundville Health and Rehab in Moundville, Alabama, and Amedisys Hospice. As the heart of our family, her life was a beautiful testimony of Christian faith, family devotion, and a loving kindness that left a lasting imprint on every heart she touched. She was born to Joe Ethard and Willie Belle Styes of Ralph, Alabama. Ruth was the oldest of five sisters, with one older brother. She was a 1944 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, and shortly after married J.T. Burroughs in Aliceville, Alabama. They were married for 61 years until his death in 2005. Together, they raised 3 children and built a long life together. Ruth lived a life defined by dedication and service to her family and community, working as a homemaker, skilled seamstress and quilter, school bus driver, and Sunday school teacher. She was also an amazing cook, especially known for her biscuits and fried chicken. In addition, she was a partner to J.T., helping run their small country store and egg production business in Romulus, Alabama.

She is survived by her 3 children: Faye Leavelle (Dick), Joe Burroughs (Janet), and Kathy Porter (Mike). Grandchildren: David Burroughs (Jackie), Susan Browning (Ronnie), Jenny Holman (Zak), Stephanie Moore (Butch), Christina Crawford (Paul), Bradley Porter (Brittney), and Kristin Robinson (Brian). Great-grandchildren: Alexis Montgomery (Josh), Caid Holman (Brantlee), Hope Browning, Brandon Moore (Hallie), Colton Holman, Grant Browning, Collin Holman, Ethan Moore, Ruthie Holman, Lily Porter, Ava Crawford, Sophie Porter, Caroline Robinson, Matthew Robinson, and Porter Robinson, and one great-great-grandchild, Tyson Holman. She is also survived by her sisters Charlotte Quarles and Nancy Palmer. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dalton Styes, and sisters, Doris Smith and Joanne Burns.

Pallbearers will be David Burroughs, Bradley Porter, Ronnie Browning, Butch Moore, Zak Holman, Paul Crawford, and Brian Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Grants Creek Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, and all friends and neighbors of the Romulus, Ralph, and Fosters communities.

The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. John Warren, the staff of Moundville Health and Rehab, and Amedisys Hospice. We would also like to thank her in-home caregivers Betty Rodgers and Lara Williams.

Funeral services will be on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Grants Creek Baptist Church in Fosters, Alabama, with visitation at 10:00, service at 11:00, and burial afterwards in Grants Creek Church cemetery. Bro. Don Springer and Bro. Steve Strickland will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Oak Ranch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.