Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship Grant

Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Abilene
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: November 11, 2025

Summary

The Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship, established by Shellie B. Evans, honors her parents' legacy of community service and education. This scholarship supports Abilene ISD seniors and alumni with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, providing financial assistance to those pursuing higher education or vocational training in the U.S. Payments are made directly to institutions in August and January, promoting educational advancement for deserving students.

Overview

Note: Payments will not be processed until your acceptance form is completed and submitted. The Community Foundation of Abilene is home to more than 150 scholarship funds. Through the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is privileged to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors, currently enrolled undergraduates, graduate students, non-traditional students, and those pursuing trade certifications. The Foundation’s scholarship process provides students access to scholarships with awards ranging from $500 to more than $5,000. Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship The Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by their daughter, Shellie B. Evans, in their memory. Ruth and Bill Burton were both West Texans who knew how to live in honor of their church and their community. Bill Burton was born in 1923 in Seymour and graduated from Hamlin High School. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps as a P-38 pilot. After the war, he attended Texas Tech. Upon graduation, he moved to Abilene where he became an independent geologist. Ruth Crowson Burton was born in Amarillo but lived in Abilene all her life. A graduate of Abilene High, she was editor of the AHS newspaper, The Battery. Ruth and Bill were introduced to each other by Bill’s younger sister; they married in 1947. Ruth attended Hardin Simmons where she received her B.A. and M.A. in English. She taught at Madison Junior High where she sponsored the Madison Messenger and started Sagebrush Scribbles, a student literary magazine. Scholarship award payments are sent directly to the educational institutions in August (fall semester) and, if applicable, in January (spring semester).

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Available to Abilene ISD seniors or alumni who have a desire to continue their education. Attended an Abilene ISD school your junior and senior years. Maintained a minimum GPA of 3.2 to 3.4 Planning to attend or enrolled in a junior college, technical/vocational school or college/university in the United States.