Dixie L. (Owens) Burch

Dixie Lou Burch was born January 8, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Paul Owens and Versa (Ford) Owens.  Dixie grew up in  Mount Hope, Kansas and graduated from high school there.  She moved to Gunnison, Colorado and then to Powersite, Missouri.  As a single parent, Dixie diligently worked to put herself though college, earning her bachelor’s degree from School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks) and her Master’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU) in Springfield.  She taught at Forsyth Public School for over thirty years.  She had taught 2nd grade, 4th grade and special education as well as mentoring several student teachers.  After retirement, she continued to stay involved in education as a substitute teacher and tutor.

Dixie was an exceptional, determined and loving woman.  She grew a beautiful garden around her home and loved flowers.  She also loved caring for animals and feeding birds.  She was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Branson.  Dixie was wholly devoted to her kids, grandkids, church and students.

Dixie entered into rest on Monday, April 1, 2019 at her home in Branson at the age of 85.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Monte Burch and sister, Peggy Holoubek.

Dixie is survived by her children: Scotty Weidman and wife Lee of Sparta, MO, De Ann Shelton and friend Carol Wheeler of Independence, MO and Niki Ploof and husband Elden of Ocala, FL; brother, Larry Owens and wife Diane of Hutchinson, KS; sisters:  Connie Utchman and husband Charley of Marshfield, MO, Ruth Straussberg of Hutchinson and Kathy Kipp and husband Jack of Hutchinson.  Dixie is also survived by her five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her great friend Jo Breeden and many friends at the Oaks.

Visitation will be Thursday evening, April 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Funeral services will be Friday, April 5 at 3:00 P.M. in the funeral home with Rev. Jim Cariker officiating.  Burial will follow in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.

Memorials in Dixie’s honor may be made to Working Dogs for Vets online at workingdogsforvets.com or by mail, Working Dogs for Vets, Inc.,  2781 Highway 43 N., Lawrenceburg, TN  38464.  

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