Arlene Cathryne Burch

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Arlene Cathryne Burch who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Arlene was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Arlene knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Arlene was born on July 30, 1940 at Mandan Deaconess Hospital in Mandan, North Dakota. Her parents were John and Agnes Kary. Arlene was raised in Mandan, North Dakota. Even as a youngster, Arlene learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Arlene was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Arlene was raised with two siblings. She had one older sister Shirley and one older brother Jim (deceased).

Arlene's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Arlene enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. She was a member of the Girl scouts an in her spare time she did babysitting. At school Arlene maintained high grades and studied hard.

In school, Arlene was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Arlene was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Arlene’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Mandan High School in 1958. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Ross.

An objective and conscientious individual, Arlene reveled in the security of her family. On February 20, 1960 Arlene exchanged wedding vows with Robert Charles Burch at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer of Mandan, North Dakota. One of Arlene’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Arlene was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Arlene would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Arlene was blessed with two children, one daughter Laura and one son Richard. She took jobs like managing apartments and selling Avon that also allowed her to stay home with her children while perfecting the ability to move the entire household at a moments notice when relocation for Robert's work in the aerospace industry required.

Arlene approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, traveling and playing cards. Arlene was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Being generous with her time and energy, Arlene liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Arlene was a 4 year member of the honor society. Throughout her years, Arlene was an active volunteer for numerous local charities and the VA Hospital.

Faith was important to Arlene. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of the Lutheran Church for 60 years. During that time, she was and active member of the Mary Martha group, school board and the Altar Committee.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Arlene used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Arlene had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations include Hawaii, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and the Sequoia Redwoods.

Arlene was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her numerous birds, cats, dogs, tropical fish and turtles over the years.

She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail of retirement had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating with Robert to Riverside, California to be closer to her grandchildren. After Roberts passing in 2001 from cancer she moved to Magnolia Village a retirement community, and it provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Even after losing her vision in 2009 she found pleasure in visiting with friends, listening to movies, attending church and playing cards. In many ways, Arlene was an inspiration to all that knew her.

Arlene passed away from sudden heart failure on July 27, 2021 at Riverside Community Hospital. She is survived by her children Laura and Richard, grandchildren Christopher and Ciara and sister Shirley. Services were held at Crown of Life, Riverside. Arlene was laid to rest with Robert at Riverside National Cemetery.

All who knew her would agree that Arlene was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Arlene Cathryne Burch did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

A funeral service for Arlene will be held Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Crown Of Life, 5939 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506. A visitation will occur Monday, September 13, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. A graveside service will occur Monday, September 13, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Burch family.