Betty R. Burch, 88, a long-time resident, community leader and former mayor of Riverside, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022. At the time of her passing, Betty was at home under hospice care, surrounded in love by her family.
She was born January 16, 1934, in Kansas City, Kansas to Jack Keller and Marie Elizabeth (Stark) Reynolds. They have preceded her in death along with six brothers and a baby grandson.
She married Mitchell B. Burch, on February 10, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri and they moved to Riverside in 1952. In 1975, Betty would begin a 31-year career with the City of Riverside. She served as City Clerk from 1975 until 1988. She would serve her first term as Mayor of Riverside from 1988 until 1996. Betty served as Alderman from 1996 until 2000 and Mayor again from 2000 to 2006. Betty had a true servants heart and had a passion for serving others. She loved her family, her friends and her community. She was the rock of her family and rock of her community. In her spare time, she enjoyed frequent family gatherings, traveling and reading. She will be dearly missed.
Betty is survived by her husband Mitch of the couple’s home in Riverside; three children: James Mitchell Burch and wife, Linda of Smithville, Missouri, Susan Marie Burch-Kitko and husband, John of Pompano Beach, Florida and Mayor Kathleen Lynn “Kathy” Rose and husband, Randy of Riverside Missouri, two siblings, Raymond Reynolds and Linda Williams, eight grandchildren: Christopher (Tammy) Burch, Jennifer (Brian) Tingey, Joseph (Kristen) Burch, Adam (Sarah) Burch, Michelle (Mike) Louf, Craig Rose, Gina (Bryan) Cork, and Brandon (Valerie) Rose; and several great, and great, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services have been set and are scheduled for December 28, 2022, at the Riverside Community Center, 4498 NW High Dr. Riverside, MO 64150. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service celebrating Betty’s life at 2:30 p.m. A white horse drawn hearse pulled by a pair of black horses will carry Betty’s casket to the East Slope Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Kansas City Hospice or Riverside Fire/Police Athletic League. Memories of Betty and condolences may be shared at Meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Prayers and condolences to the family. Marvin and I knew Betty and her many accomplishments. Peace to all.
Betty was a beautiful person. We loved spending time with this family and know Betty is smiling down on all of us, especially you, Kathy, for your care and attention to her.
She was a dedicated and fearless individual of unequaled courage. I was proud to call her my friend and sometimes my mom. As a leader, Betty was one of the few who had the ability to translate vision into reality and would stick with it until completed. My prayers go out to Kathy, Jim and Mitch. She will be missed.
In my 40 years with event production, Betty was my favorite client. Then she proved to be my favorite public official. Then her friendship made a forever impression on my heart. Her circle of family and associates grew in compassion, just as she showed the same to the world. She was oh so fortunate to have a daughter (Kathy) who followed her footsteps in genuine care for others and for political astuteness. May she rest in peace and stand tall in the company of worthy leaders.
A true leader and visionary as Bety saw what Riverside was capable of becoming, her daughter Kathy has followed in her mom’s footsteps to dedicate her efforts to her mothers
dreams of developing Riverside into a growing desirable community. Well done, Betty, you will be greatly missed but your legacy lives on, rest in peace. Prayers for you family and loved ones.
It was both a privilege and honor knowing and serving with Betty through the City. Her leadership skills helped lead Riverside to where it is today. Our prayers are with her Family.
For Mayor Rose:
On behalf of the Parkville Board of Aldermen and the city staff I want to send our deep condolences on the loss of your mother. I know she was a terrific example for you and you have honored her life with all that you have done. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we wish you well during these difficult times.
Dean Katerndahl
Mayor
City of Parkville
I am very sorry for your loss, Kathy.
I am so very sorry for your loss. All of you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty was my cousins wife’s mother. I’m our family that means she was a relative…just like Kathy is my cousin. She always treated my partner Deborah and I just like family. She was a very special lady. We loved her very much. Kathy too.
She did so much during her time on this earth and she taught Kathy that too. Riverside was a lucky town to have her. So were we.
I had the opportunity to be in Betty’s home in this past year. Her life story is inspiring as is the legacy Kathy carries forward. It has been a privilege to see the love this family has for Betty. Her memory will be treasured.
I want to offer my Condolences to the Burch family, especially to Mitch, Kathy, and my daughter Michelle. Betty made Riverside the City that it is today. Her legacy will live on for ever and Kathy is caring on where her mother left off. Fly high Betty, you are greatly missed by all that knew you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Betty was such a great supporter of my efforts to market healthcare to the community. She was so full of life & so supportive of all her Riverside residents. She was a true professional. She will be so missed. Condolences to the entire family & her Riverside resident. So sorry I’m unable to attend her services.
Sandy Gardner
There are not enough special people in our lives and we lost one of those when Betty passed away. There is no way to adequately fill what we feel is missing now but to try to express the loss.
Betty gave more than she received and never tired of helping others. We will always miss her but know that she is never gone.
We at Holliday Sand want to express appreciation, honor and love to Betty and her family and extend sincere condolences, especially to Kathy and Mitch and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy & family, I’m so sorry for your loss & send my deepest condolences & prayers. Regret that I was unable to attend her service.
Betty, you were an amazingly strong woman, that was an example to other women when you bridged the ‘man’s’ world in business. Kathy, so sorry for your loss, she taught you well.