Elizabeth M. (Kettle) Burch

Nov. 7, 1916 - March 28, 2000

Elizabeth Margaret "Betty" Burch, 83, of South Bend, Ind., passed away after a courageous battle with lung disease at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, peacefully in her home. She was born on Nov. 7, 1916, in South Bend, the daughter of William F. Kettles of Scotland Maude (Wagener) Kettles of Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles E. Burch, who she married on Aug 25, 1952; and a brother, William A. Hamill.

Betty was employed as an executive secretary to the Building Commissioner - City of South Bend, for 26 years, retiring in 1985 at the age of 70. Prior, she was employed as a secretary in the engineering and sale department at Studebaker for 24 years. Mrs. Burch was a member of American Turners - South Bend. She was a director of Youth Bowling at American Turners for 20 years.

She was a longtime member of the Mary Ann Club - Studebaker, serving as president one was Woman of the Year Y.W.C.A., and was a bowling member of the 600 Club when her team won the city championship. Betty enjoyed gardening, was an excellent cook, an avid sports fan (the Cubs, the Bulls and Notre Dame), and enjoyed her family and friends. Her loving heart and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen S. Gabbard of Mishawaka, Ind., and Patricia E. Haney of Niles, Mich.; three grandchildren, Larry A. Gabbard, Jr., of South Bend, Katie E. Gabbard of South Bend and Matthew B. Haney of Niles; a sister, Velma M. (Don) Miller of South Bend; and a brother, Alex "Bud" R. Kettles of Three Rivers, Mich.; two greatgrandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service for Mrs. Burch will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, South Bend. Rev. Dan Clark of Westminster Presbyterian Church will conduct the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Saint Joseph's Visiting Nurse Association or to the charity of donor's choice.

Article from 31 Mar 2000 The South Bend Tribune (South Bend, IN)

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

04/25/2026 EJS