Helen Arlene Burch

Our beloved Aunt, Helen Arlene Burch of Lincoln, AR passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, at the age of 89. Born July 17, 1936, to Lou Barnes and Bessie Talley, she was the youngest of their four children (deceased: Raymond Barnes, Denzel Barnes, and Mildred Griggs). Born in Berryville, AR the family moved to California where she spent 40 years of her life. She was a hard worker and started working at a young age, she was a babysitter, a cashier at the Wilshire movie theater in Fullerton, CA, she worked for Vans in Orange, CA and it was in CA she met and married the love of her life Lloyd Burch on June 15, 1956. After buying their home on Knepp in Fullerton they became very well known in the community because every year they decorated a very large (40 foot tall) Cypress tree that resided in their front yard. They were in the paper multiple times and people would come from all over the county to see it. Helen was a dedicated fireman's wife and after Lloyd's retirement in the late 80's, they moved back to AR where she was the accountant for their lumber business and after that they started an ostrich farm where she helped hatch and raise the baby birds. Helen and Lloyd never had any children of their own, but they helped raise and guide many of their siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was fiercely independent, honest; she had the best sense of humor which she shared with all of us, along with her amazing Southern cooking skills and her love for all animals and her family.

She leaves behind so many loved ones, friends and family. Sister (in law), Lynn Negrete. Nieces: Laurie (Jeremy) Godfirnon, Sharon Johnson, Heather, Heidi, Hollie and Susie (Bill) Galloway. Nephews: Robert Burch, Thomas Burch, Jaxon Burch, Eddie Dickard and Matthew Galloway. Cousins: Myrna, Debbie, Angela, Teresa, Geri and Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a no kill shelter in your area or locally please donate to the Friends of the Prairie Grove Pound.