Linda Louise Birch

Linda Louise Birch, 80, of Ash Grove, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 10:53 p.m. in Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
She was born June 5, 1941 in Omaha, Neb., to Stephen Michael and Hilma Boggs Tarcza.
Linda was a 1959 graduate of Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, Nev., and a 1964 graduate of Drury College, receiving a degree in geology. She worked in the Children’s Department of Northeast Public Library in Kansas City and for the Ozark Pioneer Library System in Springfield.
She was a 50-year licensed funeral director, and with her husband co-owned Birch Funeral Home of Ash Grove. She was a 50-plus year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Past Matron of Russell Chapter #109 O.E.S., Grand Representative of CT in MO in 2000 and District Deputy Grand Matron in 2004. She was also a 50-plus year member and a past president of Chapter DP P.E.O. She was also a past president of John Calvin Presbytery Women’s Group.
She and Jimmy S. Birch were united in marriage Oct. 26, 1963 and they shared 58 years together.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Sally Jones.
She is survived by her husband Jimmy of the home; daughter Jennifer Lee Lewis and husband Michael of Jefferson City, son James Michael Lewis Birch and wife Christy of Warrensburg, Sean Michael Lewis of Jefferson City, Randy James Birch of Warrensburg, and Addison Patricia Lewis of Jefferson City.
Services were held Monday, Aug. 2, at Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Visitation was from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, in Birch Funeral Home Ash Grove.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Ash Grove United Methodist-Presbyterian Church of Ash Grove First Responders are appreciated.