Ruth Bricker

Ruth Karen Nilsen Bricker, 72, of 1605 Wycliff Court, Burlington, NC passed away on March 20, 2010 after a courageous fight against lung cancer. Ruth was born on February 20, 1938 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to the late August and Helen Kalvesmaki Nilsen. Her sister, Jean D. McQuigge, preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Judah Jud; son, Jonathan, his wife, Victoria, and their daughter, Cassidy Abigail, of Black Mountain, NC; and their daughter, Elizabeth Joanna Suits, and her children, Tiegan Dawn and Gavin Tyler, of Siler City, NC. Ruth was a graduate of Rhinebeck Central School, NY, and a member of the National Honor Society. Ruth was an excellent athlete, playing on a number of different High School teams, receiving a team letter a new thing for girls at that time. She was offered an opportunity to play on the girls' basketball team for Hunter College, NYC. Ruth graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, NYC and was a legal secretary for several years before continuing her education at Hunter College, NYC, obtaining a B.A. degree with a dual major in psychology and elementary education. Ruth taught in public schools in NYC and in Westchester County, NY. Ruth was an active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Yorktown Heights, NY, teaching Sunday school and leading children's services. In 1984 the family moved to Chapel Hill, NC and joined Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where Ruth was a member of the Altar Guild. She joined the Chapel Hill Tennis Club tennis team, serving as captain for several years. July 2002 brought them to Twin lakes Community, Burlington, NC, where they spent many happy years. She played on the Olde Forest Racquet Club team, and served as co-captain. Ruth was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, worked in the Witness and Outreach Ministries and was a member of the Powals Circle. She has been blessed by her strong faith, family, and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Janak Choksi and the nurses at both ARMC and Hospice Hospice House and in-home for their compassionate care of her. Memorial services will be held at Twin Lakes Chapel on Saturday, March 27th at 1 pm with Pastor William Zima officiating. The family will receive visitors directly following the service in the Peppertree Caf. Internment will be private, at Friedens Lutheran Church's Peace Garden, Gibsonville. In her memory, donations can be made to the American Lung Association, Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, or to a charity of their choice.