Blanche Burch

Blanche Swenson Burch, 92, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on January 15, 2012 at Sardis Oaks Nursing Home. Blanche was born on April 18, 1919 in Bucklin, MO, a daughter of Louis J. and Ella Oneida Swenson.

Blanche was raised on a farm in rural Marceline, MO, and graduated from Marceline High School in 1936. She attended a two year business college in Kansas City, MO. On October 23, 1940, she married Lloyd W. Burch, also of Marceline. They lived in Kansas City, KS; then made their home in Roeland Park, KS for over 45 years. Lloyd preceded her in death on November 8, 1997.

In addition to being a wife and mother, Blanche sold residential real estate in the Kansas City area for twenty years, starting with one of the first female-owned companies, Gerry Keith Real Estate, followed by a long association with the Hardin Stockton Real Estate Company. She was a top sales producer, and won several awards for her achievements. Blanche was s long-time, active member of Countryside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Mission, KS, and also the Blue Spruce Garden Club. Blanche moved to Charlotte in late 2005, where she resided at Merrywood for four years, and Emeritus at SouthPark Assisted Living for almost two years. While in Charlotte, Blanche attended First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Paul, Elmer and Glenn Swenson; and one sister, Louise Swenson. Survivors include her daughter, Julie Burch and husband, Denver Board of Charlotte; her son, Paul and wife, Jody of Hixson TN; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Swenson of St. Petersburg, FL; her brother-in-law, Marvin Andrews of Kansas City, MO; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by services at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 19th, at Countryside Christian Church, 6101 Nall Avenue, Mission, KS 66202. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Marceline, MO.

Memorial gifts may be made to Countryside Christian Church, or to First Christian Church, 1200 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Harry & Bryant Company, Charlotte, NC, and Amos Family Funeral Home, Shawnee, KS, are in charge of arrangements.