Annabel Burch

Annabel Ortiz Burch, a beacon of courage and enduring spirit, passed away on March 28, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of fifty-two. Born on February 1st, 1972, to Joe and Maria Ortiz, she grew up in Toppenish, Washington along-side her four siblings: Mario, Fernando, Daniel, and Anita.
Annabel graduated from Toppenish High School, class of 1992, and pursued a career working for the Department of Justice as an Immigrations Officer, devoting 30 years of her life helping people achieve their dreams to become a US citizen. In 2020, she accepted an opportunity to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina, with her family, and take a position as an instructor. Her role was to share her knowledge and passion with her peers; she was later promoted to Supervisory Instructor. One of her proudest career achievements was receiving a national Directors Award.
In the summer of 1994, Annabel married the love of her life, Chad Burch and together over 30 years, they built a beautiful family: Fabian, Ashlee, and Sara. Their home was a hub of laughter (she had the best laugh), love, and busy chaos (as is common with a house full of kids). In 2019, she was blessed with a daughter-in-law, Selena and in 2021, Fabian and Selina welcomed Enzo to the family (Annabel's first grandchild). Enzo was Annabel's pride and joy; she always took the opportunity to share pictures and stories of him with family and friends.
Annabel's journey through life was marked with obstacles that could have been viewed as insurmountable for many, but she battled them with a warrior spirit. She was a four-time cancer survivor, beating the disease for 35 years. Her outlook on life was always positive and full of energy. Her legacy extends to the cancer survivors she inspired and supported through her work with Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.
Predeceased by her father Joe Ortiz, and her brother Daniel Ortiz, Annabel's memory is honored and upheld by her surviving beloved husband Chad Burch, her children: Fabian & Selina Burch, Ashlee Burch, and Sara Burch, her grandson Enzo Burch, her mother Maria Ortiz, her brothers: Mario Ortiz and Fernando Ortiz, her sister Anita Ortiz, and a vast family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
A service to celebrate Annabel's life will be on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 213 N Beech St, Toppenish. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Zillah Cemetery, 100 First Ave, Zillah. Thereafter, a reception will be at Persham Hall at The Old Warehouse, 705 Railroad Ave, Zillah, where Annabel's life with be shared and cherished.