Claudia Ruth Burgess

Claudia Ruth Burgess, 85, of Vicksburg, Michigan, away peacefully at home on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on October 18, 1939, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Claudia was the beloved daughter of Arthur and Ruth Hodgman. She married the love of her life, Richard Burgess, on October 26, 1957. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. They shared 56 wonderful years together before his passing in 2014. 

Claudia attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College where she pursued studies in Computer Sciences and proudly retired from Speedway after 35 years of dedicated service. Yet her true legacy was not in her career, but in the family farm she and Richard built for their family as well as her unwavering generosity and care for others. 

A devout Christian, Claudia lived her faith through action. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness touched countless lives. Whether she was crocheting blankets for the elderly, volunteering at the election booth, advocating for battered women, or offering quiet support to someone in need, Claudia gave of herself freely and without hesitation. 

Claudia was a women of many joys. She loved sewing, reading, gardening, and found delight in the occasional trip to the casino. Her spirit was warm, her presence comforting, and her love unconditional. 

She is survived by her children: Peggy (Jose) Gonzales, Tom (Melissa) Burgess, Bob (Debra) Burgess, and Peter Burgess; many grandchildren and great-grand children; and countless nieces and nephews. She is also lovingly remembered by her close friends and family including Lacey Beeman as well as her three dogs: China, Buddy, and Dakota. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Burgess; her son Richard Burgess Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Melissa Burgess; her parents, Arthur and Ruth Hodgman; and all of her siblings: Lilia Hodgman, George Hodgman, Joyce Hodgman, Roy Hodgman, and John Hodgman Sr. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2025, from 1-4 PM at the family farm. 

In honor of Claudia's generous heart and lifelong commitment to helping others, memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA Kalamazoo.

Her Legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength lives on in all who were blessed to know her. 

While visiting Claudia's webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. 

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 409 S. Main Street Vicksburg, MI 49097. (269) 649-1697.