Saturday, September 13th, 2014
Dorothy Burtch
Dorothy "Dot" Esther Burtch, 82, Rockford, died at 11:56 p.m. Sept. 11, 2014, at Lima Memorial Health System.
She was born Nov. 14, 1931, to Herbert E. and Connie E. Felver Levihn. On July 17, 1954, she married Thomas E. Burtch, who survives in Rockford.
Also surviving are a daughter, Susie Christman, Huntertown, Ind.; five sons, Tom (Lori) Burtch, Rockford, John (Tina) Burtch, Westerville, Ed (Misty) Burtch, Rockford, Robert (Cheryl) Burtch, Minster, and Mike (Melissa) Burtch, Rockford; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Robert and Herbert Levihn; a sister, Margaret Levihn; and a son-in-law, Dan Christman.
She was the secretary and accountant at Burtch Seed Company, Tama, for years. Together with her husband, Tom, they started the business and were co-owners. She had lived in Rockford since 1960, coming from Paulding.
She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Celina, and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether they were making cookies together, or she was watching them play sports - she was their biggest fan! She grew to be an avid sports fan of Parkway, OSU and the Reds, after putting up with her husband Tom's love of sports for so many years. They always enjoyed watching their favorite teams.
Although she never wanted to be in the spotlight, she had so many accomplishments, and was well-respected by her peers. Their business won Business of the Year award while they were at the Seed House, and she had the honor one year of being Rockford's Citizen of the Year.
Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at New Horizons Community Church, Rockford, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Grazma officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Memorials may be given to Wernle Children's Home, Richmond, Ind., or ARC of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Condolences may be left at ketchamripley.com.