Dorothy Burch

1925 - 2022

Dorothy Burch
Dorothy (Sponseller) Burch, age 96, of Coleman passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Green Acres Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant surrounded by her family.
The world lost an incredible woman that day, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, friend and neighbor. She was truly a woman with a heart of gold.
Dorothy was born on June 14, 1925, in Shepherd, Michigan, to Fred and Emily (Knipe) Sponseller. She was raised on the Sponseller farm on Walton Road west of Shepherd along with her 5 brothers. She attended grade school in the one room schoolhouse on the corner of Walton and Whiteville Road. She later attended school in Shepherd and graduated with the class of 1943. Dorothy's mother had passed away during her senior year of high school. After graduation Dorothy attended Central Normal College (now CMU) for a short time, with aspirations of becoming a teacher. However, her life changed its course when she met and married the love of her life, Pat Burch on December 30,1944, at St. Henry's Church in Rosebush. They began their married life on the Burch family farm on Denver Road and later were blessed with 3 children, Mike, Bill, and Emily Ann. Dorothy and Pat were almost inseparable and enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage until Pat's passing on July 27, 2009.
Working at her husband's side on their farm on Vernon Rd and being one of the most caring mothers, seemed to be Dorothy's goals in life. Selfless and giving, no matter what, describes who she was. Her loving nature lives on in her children and grandchildren. First and foremost, Dorothy loved her family and showed it in so many ways. She loved not only her family, but cared deeply for neighbors, fellow farmers, and friends. Always a friend in need to lend a helping hand. Pat and Dorothy were always there to help others in their community.
Dorothy was also a wonderful homemaker and cook. She always made sure you were greeted with a delicious meal (especially her fried chicken) when you visited, and one never left her home empty handed. Always pleasant and sweet to all who were lucky enough to know her. Dorothy was known for having many talents as well and a strong work ethic. In addition to the work on the farm and raising her own children. After her own children left home, she worked for several years in Coleman at the Vercon plant.
Dorothy enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and did beautiful upholstery work. She did lovely crochet work as well, and lovingly shared the comforters and afghans with every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. All of her work, no matter what it was, she did with impeccable taste and skill and was a shining example for her children. Dorothy and her family also attended St. Henry's Church in Rosebush.
Beyond the skills of her hands, were the beautiful skills of her heart, especially for her children, always making sure they had love and support throughout their childhood and as they left home and started their own married lives. The welcoming family dinners, holidays, and especially Christmas Eve at the farm with aunts, uncles and cousins are treasured memories we all hold dear.
Dorothy was indeed known by all for her kind nature and warm personality. She has been an incredible role model for her family and she will be greatly missed by all. May her love and kindness be the legacy she leaves behind for us all and in generations to come
Dorothy is survived by her children, Mike Burch, Bill (Louanna) Burch, Emily (Jim) Jackson, all of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Teresa (Jerry) Darland, Tasha Burch, Michael (Karol) Burch, Brandi (Todd) Snyder, Allison (Luke) Karr, Chris Jackson and Jennifer Jackson; great-grandchildren, Drew Darland, Jaxon Sowle, Dominic Sowle, Giovana Burch, Logan Snyder, Blake Snyder, Lakyn Karr, and Morgan Karr; sister-in-law, Suzanne (George) Moeggenberg; and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her her husband, Harold "Pat" Burch; her parents; and her brothers and sister-in-laws, Floyd (Dorothy) Sponseller, Vernie (Gladys) Sponseller, Ross (Nina) Sponseller, Lee (Rosie) Sponseller, and Fred, Jr. (Mary) Sponseller; in-laws, James Fredrick (Ped) and Mary Amelia (Lane) Burch; and many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.
The family would like to thank the "special angels" at Green Acres Assisted Living, especially Carolynn, for the love and wonderful care they have provided over the past 12 months. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Funeral Services for Dorothy will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 1 p.m. with Deacon Larry Fussman officiating. A Luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. Rite of Burial will follow in St. Henry's Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, from 4 until 8 p.m. Visitation will continue the day of the service from 12 noon until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Isabella County Commission on Aging or the St. Henry's Cemetery Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.
You may view Dorothy's obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.