Gloria L. Birch
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Funeral service for Gloria L. Birch, 78, Lawrence will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. She died Saturday, November 5, 2016 at her home.
She was born October 27, 1938 in Denver, Colorado the daughter of George and Alice (Dearhamer) Vance.
She graduated from Lawrence High School. She helped many elderly with home cleaning.
She was an avid painter, rock collector and enjoyed beadwork.
She married Paul Birch on August 17, 1954 in Topeka, Kansas and he survives of the home.
Other survivors include her children, Paul V. “Vic” Birch of Lawrence, Vicky L. Birch of Topeka, Judy G. King, Lawrence, Earl K. “Keith” Birch, Terrell, TX , sixteen grandchildren, Tami Wells, Mary E. Birch, Kasandra L. Michel, Angela C. Knoll, Brian Wilks, Dustin Wilks, Christina Wilks, Christopher “Gage” King, Elizabeth Birch, Alexander Birch, Sarah Birch, Becky Birch, Leah Birch, Merriam Birch, Zachariah Birch, Josiah Birch; six great grandchildren, Addie, Chloe, Jacob, Isabella, Zachary, Joseph. She was preceded in death by her son, Brian Birch and four brothers, Neil Vance, Albert Vance, William Vance and Albert Dearhamer.
The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service at the mortuary on Thursday.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
You prob don’t know me, but I certainly knew your parents. My father, Don Richardson used to work with your Dad at Co-Op years ago. When I was a child, your family used to come to Eudora and you kids would play at our house. My mom Alice and your mom wer friends. My birthday was the same day as Brian’s. Everytime you mom would see me in public at the store or something, she always asked about my parents, and remembered my birthday. I am sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to the entire Birch family.
Mary,
We know how much you are missing your grandmother, and how much you wish Addie could have known her. Share your memories of her with Addison; it will help you, and it will give Addie something special. Know that no matter what you did or where you were, she loved you and she will continue to love you. She will always be by your side, your own special guardian angel. So dry those tears and put a smile on your face – just for your grandmother. That’s what she would want you to do. And every time Addie picks up a rock, look at her and say “that’s what Grandma used to do,” and see that part of her that lives on.
You may not know me but Gloria and Paul went to East Heights church with my parents Sue & Pete Langston and I. I thought the world of Gloria. I would periodically visit her at Babcock and I brought my dear mom to see her before Gloria went to hosp. I have since lost my parents this year. I hope all 3 are rejoicing in heaven. Gloria was a very special lady. I loved our visits. She will be deeply missed.