Ruth Etta Burch

Ruth, the daughter of Lacy Burl and Eva Marie Lancaster Taber was born October 12, 1931 in Matthews, MO. She graduated from Matthews High School on June 2, 1950.

On June 15, 1950, she married Robert Elmer Burch, Jr., at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, MO., who preceded her in death on August 11, 1984.

Talented and creative in interior design, Ruth was co-owner of Ruth and Judy’s Draperies with her sister, Judy Northcutt. Ruth was an avid collector with an interest in unique items that preserved our past ways of living.

Ruth will be sadly missed by her children, Kenneth Allen (Janelle) Burch and Karen Elizabeth (Thom) Henzi, both of Sikeston, MO. and Regina Ann (Lynn) Lewis of Mayfield, KY. She is survived by eight grandchildren, John Burch of Puxico, MO., Robert Lewis of Austin, TX., Lauri Pendel of Fancy Farm, KY., Heather Williams, Phillip Burch, Daniel Beck, Nathan Beck and Nick Beck all of Sikeston, MO. and nine great-grandchildren, Kayleigh Friedrich, Jack Lewis, Silas and Slade Pendel Chase and Lane Williams, Colter Beck, Collier and Ella Vinson.

Ruth is also survived by one brother Merlin Taber of Perryville, MO.; four sisters, Shirley Coppage and Judy Northcutt of Sikeston, MO., Marlene Hartlein of Matthews, MO., and Deanna Piel of Springfield, MO.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Robert Michael Burch, her parents and four brothers, Glenn, Lindell, Melvin and Dwight Taber and one sister Flossie Taber.

Ruth was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, MO. and past member of the Daughters of Isabella.

A private graveside ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Sikeston City Cemetery in Sikeston, MO. with Father Dave Dohogne officiating.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Beck, Nathan Beck, Nick Beck, Mitch Williams, John Burch and Lynn Lewis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Lewis and Thom Henzi.

Arrangements are with Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO.

Please share thoughts and memories with Ruth’s family on their online guestbook at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, 245 W. Front St., Sikeston, MO. 63801 or Missouri Delta Medical Center, 1008 N. Main, Sikeston, MO. 63801.

An intentional mass and celebration for Ruth will be scheduled at a later date.