Obituary of Beverly Gertrude Birch
Age 85, of Mt. Morris, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022, at home with her family by her side. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, May 2, 2022, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning to officiate. Beverly’s family will be present to receive friends from 12:00 pm, until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Beverly’s tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Beverly “Bev” was born in Flint, on January 29, 1937, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford and Eunice A. (Bowman) Gooding. Educated locally, Bev attended Flint Northern High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. Bev met her soulmate, James Birch, in high school and the two dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on February 5, 1955. After 64 wonderful years of marriage, he preceded her in death on November 2, 2019. Bev enjoyed sitting in her home knitting afghans and watching Lifetime television. In her younger years, Bev enjoyed spending time with her husband and children fishing in Manistee. Listening to music was one of Bev’s favorite pastimes, with Kenny Rogers, Elvis, and Rod Stewart being some of her favorites. Bev loved flowers but the Lily, Lily of the Valley, and lavender were her favorite. Bev enjoyed having cats and snuggling with them. She will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Bev's memory are her children: Michael and wife, Belen Birch, Ronald Birch, Jeffrey Birch, Jacklyn Adolph and significant other, Dale Herrick, Michelle Birch; grandchildren: Lisa Denike, James and wife, Jamie Birch, Christena Kincaid, Tanya and husband, Timothy O'Brien, Angie Vasquez, Terry Adolph, Arnie and wife, Alisha Thomas, Andy Birch, Priscilla and husband, Sean Rice, Anthony and wife, Nora Birch, Renee and husband, Brian Patterson, Crystal Birch, Nicky Birch, Celia Weatherby; 26 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Bev was preceded in death by her husband, James Birch; parents; son, James "Jimmy" Birch II; siblings: Clifford Gooding, Jr, Barbara Jean Gooding, Phyllis Gooding.