Barbara lived most of her life in East S. Louis and Belleville, IL. She spent a lifetime in the care and nourishment of others; in her youth, caring for her sister and brother, as a wife and mother, caring for her children and in her later years caring for her mother and husband in their final days. She was an active member and former president of the Longfellow School PTA, East St. Louis; member of Millstadt Grade School PTA; Cub Scout Den Mother; and member of the First Christian Church of Belleville, IL. She also conducted ceramic lessons for her neighbors and friends for many years. She was known for always having a homemade baked good on the counter, cookies in the cookie jar and was affectionately known as “Cookie Grandma.”
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Burch, her parents, John and Mildred (nee Frields) Gossett, step-father, John Rampenthal, mother-in-law, Helen McCoy, sister, Carole (Thomas) Hubbard, brother, John Gossett, brothers-in-law, Ralph “Babe” Dunham, Ed Dunham, Roy McCoy and son-in-law, James Mikulait.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Tony Piazza) Burch, son, Robert (Jama) Burch, grandchildren, Robert “Scott” (Aleah) Burch, Tyler (Natalie) Burch, great-grandchildren, Colin, Aralynn, Owen, and soon to be born, “Baby Girl Burch.” She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Freda Gossett and Amelia McCoy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, plus dear friend and neighbor, Linda Barrett.
Visitation will be at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223 on Monday, October 10th, 2022 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Barbara will be laid to rest at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
Contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to Family Hospice of Belleville, IL, The American Cancer Society, or to an organization of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Burch family.
