Ruth Ann Burkybile, 77, of Urbana, IL  passed away at her home on Friday, August 29,
2025 after a long cancer journey.

Ruth Ann was born March 15, 1948 to William and Alene Richardson in Terre Haute, IN.
She grew up on a farm near Casey, IL, with sisters Jane and Cheryl, and near a large
extended family. As a child, she spent her time playing with her sisters and cousins, and
nurtured a love for animals and gardening. While a student at Casey High School, she
discovered a talent for accounting working for her uncle.

Ruth Ann graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970 with a degree in accounting.
She worked for over 40 years as a tax accountant, eventually owning her own business,
Burkybile Accounting and Tax Service. Tax season held a special place in her heart; she
loved getting to know her clients and their families. 

She married Carl Burkybile, whom she had known since childhood, on December 21,
1968. Together they raised three children: Anne, Carrie, and John. Ruth Ann was active
in the community and schools of Rantoul, IL during this phase of life. In 1997, John died
unexpectedly, a loss that stayed with her and informed her compassion for others
experiencing grief. Over the years Ruth Ann cherished time spent with her growing
family, including daughters and sons-in-law Carrie (Tim) and Anne (Kip), and
grandchildren Emma (Jon), Grace, Ellie, Charlotte, and Theo.  She also doted on her
nieces and nephews, and many great- and great great-nieces and nephews. 

 
Ruth Ann was a lifelong member of churches of Christ, teaching children’s Bible classes
for many years.  She also volunteered her time as a 4-H leader and 4-H Foundation
Board Member. Ruth Ann and Carl helped to found Caring for Kenya and also served as
board members. She traveled to Kenya several times and formed lasting friendships
with many she met there. In her free time, she enjoyed drinking tea, planting flowers,
collecting dishes and antiques, and cheering on the Illini.    

Ruth Ann was a warm and loving person who will be missed by many.  She leaves
behind her husband of 56 years, Carl Burkybile; daughters Anne (Kip) Kosek and Carrie
(Tim) Taylor; grandchildren Emma Taylor (Jon) Smith, Grace Taylor, Elinor Kosek,
Charlotte Kosek, and Theo Kosek; and sisters Jane Richardson and Cheryl (Dick)
Price.  She will also be remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews, great- and
great-great-nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends.  Ruth Ann was
predeceased by her parents William and Alene Adkisson, her son John Burkybile, and
her nephew Matthew Price. 

Visitation will be held 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Friday, September 5, 2025 at Renner-Wikoff
Chapel in Urbana, IL. The Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday,
September 6, 2025 at Philo Road Church of Christ in Urbana, IL, with Dick Miller and

Jon Smith officiating. There will be a graveside service at Casey Cumberland Cemetery
Saturday September 6, 2025 at 2:30 P.M., officiated by Jason Hosfield.

Donations may be made in Ruth Ann’s honor to Caring for Kenya or Mills Breast Cancer
Institute.