Belva Dean Birch, 86, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Burlington, died Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Arbor Court Mt. 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 January 13, 2003.
Belva grew up in Hobbs, New Mexico, until 4th grade when her family moved to Sulfer City, Arkansas, following her dad’s work. She attended a one room school there. Two years later they moved to Elkins, Arkansas, then to Kosh Konong, Missouri where she graduated from high school in 1955. She was a 50+ year member of the First Baptist Church in Burlington.
In Belva’s spare time, she likes to crochet, embroider and paint fuzzy posters. Belva likes mysteries on TV and good “love stories” to read. She was a St. Louis Cardinal fan and spends hours with Walter rooting them on. She worked at Champion, then at Automated Vending Service for 22 years. She was a sandwich maker and prepared sandwiches to fill vending machines.
Walter and Belva had four children; John in 1957, Steven Dean in 1959, Kathy in 1961 and David in 1967. They loved having a family and built a life around providing a good home for them.
Survivors include her son David (J. Anna) Birch of New London; daughter Katherine Taylor Birch of Burlington; eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons Steve and John; sister Glenna Ruth James; and brothers Thurman and Emory.
According to her wishes, Belva has been cremated and a graveside service will be at 1:00 pm, Friday, November 4, 2022 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.