Belva Dean Birch, 86, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Burlington, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 at Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant.
She was born July 15, 1936, in Hubbs, New Mexico to Cecil Bert and Jessie Marion Rusher Hudson. On July 15, 1956, she married Walter R. Birch in Burlington. He died on Jan. 13, 2003.
Belva grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico, until fourth grade when her family moved to Sulfer City, Ark., following her dad’s work. She attended a one-room school there. The family later moved to Kosh Konong, Mo. where she graduated from high school in 1955. She worked at Champion, then at Automated Vending Service for 22 years. She was a sandwich maker and prepared sandwiches to fill vending machines.
She was a 50-plus-year member of the First Baptist Church in Burlington. In Belva’s spare time, she liked to crochet, embroider and paint fuzzy posters. Belva liked mysteries on TV and good “love stories” to read. She was a St. Louis Cardinal fan and spent hours with Walter rooting them on.
Survivors include her son David Birch of New London; daughter Katherine Taylor Birch of Burlington; eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.
According to her wishes, Belva has been cremated and a graveside service will be at 1 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 4, at Memorial Park in Burlington. A memorial has been established for the Arbor Court activity fund where they took excellent care of Belva. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.