Mary Gay Obituary

Mary Ruth Burk Gay CHARLESTON - Mary Ruth Burk Gay passed into eternal life, at age 96, on November 5, 2025. She was the fourth daughter of Irene Santos Burk and Captain Lewis S. Burk, Charleston Harbor Pilot. She was born in Charleston, SC on July 10,1929. Except for the year she spent working in a bank on Wall St. in NYC, she lived her entire life in her beloved Charleston. Ruthie attended Saint Patrick's Catholic School, Bishop England High School and graduated from Saint Angela's Academy in Aiken, South Carolina. Like her mother, two aunts and her sister, she pursed a career in nursing, graduating from Saint Francis Xavier Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. In 1955, on a blind date, she met Allen Michael Gay, who would become the love of her life. They were married in 1956, in the old Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and enjoyed 56 years together. They raised four daughters in a home they built on the banks of Coburg Creek on Harrison Farm. Ruthie was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughters: Robyn G. Getsinger (Ted), Patti G. Sosnowski (John), Barbara G. Keller, Ronni G. Livingston (David); her sisters: Barbara B. Dewitt, Betsy B. Burnsed; twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Ruthie was predeceased by her parents, her husband, as well as her sisters, Irene B. Tezza, Kitty B. Leinbach and Peggy E. Burk. Ruthie will be remembered as the loving matriarch whose greatest joy was spending time with her family. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Monday, November 17, 2025, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. A private graveside service will be officiated by The Rev. John S. Sosnowski. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in her honor, to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.