Madle Ruth (Burgans) Waters, 96, of Ripley passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Olean General Hospital. She was born on July 19, 1929 in Alabama to the late Hosea and Maddie (Reeves) Burgans.
Madle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ripley for several years.
She enjoyed sewing, cooking, working in the vineyards, and spending time with her family.
Madle was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Waters; and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Michael Waters (Sandy) and Alan Waters (Prudence), both of Ripley; daughter, Ruth Ellen Budke (Thomas) of Batavia, IL; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
Friends and family may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street in North East, PA on Thursday, March 5 from 3:00-6:00 PM. Private interment will be held at East Ripley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ripley, 24 West Main Street, PO Box 357, Ripley, NY 14775-0357.
Please send condolences at www.elkinfh.com.
