Rose Ann Burger Hurst
July 19, 1927 – July 18, 2025

Rose Ann Burger Hurst passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, hours before her 98th birthday, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Eureka, Rose Ann lived a life of deep devotion to family, education, and community.

Born on July 19, 1927 to Ernest Burger and Frances Cabrera Burger, Rose Ann was raised in the apartment above her family’s grocery store at Harris and California Streets, where she developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of learning. She attended Nazareth Academy and graduated from Eureka High School in 1945.

She pursued higher education at Dominican College, majoring in Spanish and minoring in music. She later earned her master’s degree and teaching credential from Stanford University, where she formed lifelong friendships and became an avid Stanford sports fan.

In 1950, she met WWII veteran Bob Hurst at her parents’ anniversary party. They married in 1952 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and went on to raise six children. Rose Ann balanced motherhood with a career in education, teaching Spanish and music in local schools and later substitute teaching well into her eighties, being known for her dedication to her students.

When Bob passed away in 1968 after a battle with cancer, Rose Ann stepped into his role at the family grocery store, working alongside her brother Tom until her retirement in the early 1990s. All six of her children worked alongside her in the store, learning from her example of resilience, discipline, and compassion.

Rose Ann had a love for adventure and travel. She toured Europe in 1949, visited family in Switzerland and Mexico, and later traveled across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. She never missed a chance to attend her grandchildren’s celebrations, join a cruise, take a train ride, or travel with her bridge friends.

Her legacy continued, as she was a proud member of the American Association of University Women, served on the board of the Humboldt Literacy Project, volunteered at the Food Bank, and was active in the Young Ladies Institute. Rose Ann was an enthusiastic and devoted member of St. Bernard’s Parish.

She was also a talented pianist, a dedicated bridge player, and a joyful berry picker and jam maker and fruitcake baker. Rose Ann was deeply proud of her Mexican and Swiss heritage and instilled that pride in her children and grandchildren.

Rose Ann was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents, and her brothers Arthur and John. She is survived by her brother Tom Burger (Tina), her six children Terri Matson (Byron), Bob Hurst Jr. (Holly), Patti Randall (Peter), Marcia Skavdal (Stan), Carolyn Marley (Jon), and Frances Casey (George); 12 grandchildren: Beth Weitz (David), Nick Matson (Jessica), Madeleine Smith (Ben), Tyler Randall (Danielle), Greg Randall (Avery), Nathan Skavdal (Becky), Dan Skavdal (Kelly), Hannah Skavdal (Zach), Matt Seneca (Thia), Krietta Marley (Niral), Amelia Casey Hinks (Ben), Georgina Casey (Cass), and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Arlene Burger and Brenda Burger.

Rose Ann’s life was a testament to family, love, service, and strength. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Rosary and funeral services will be held on August 28 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka. Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humboldt Literacy Project or the American Association of University of Women Humboldt Branch.

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