Burress was born in Edwardsville, Illinois, to Teacher parents. She attended Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, before relocating to Los Angeles, in 1995.
She made her film debut in the 1996 film Foxfire, starring opposite Angelina Jolie and Peter Facinelli. Burress auditioned for the role of Dorothy Wheeler in the motion picture Valentine, but the role went to Jessica Capshaw. However, Director Jamie Blanks still wanted Burress to star in the film. During a meeting, they looked each other in the eye and both said, "Ruthie", resulting in Burress having the role of Ruthie Walker.
Burress married Gary Fullerton, USMC in 2000; in July 2004, shortly after he and Burress had separated, Fullerton died in a jet crash.
