Elvira Rita Burch

Beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Elvira “Rita” Burch passed away on Tuesday, January 3 at Lakeland Regional Health Center at the age of 89.

Mrs. Burch was born on December 23, 1933 in New York City to Cuban immigrant parents Anthony and Josefa Reyes. She moved to Florida in 1966 and was employed with Auto Owners Insurance for more than 20 years until her retirement in 1995.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Montgomery Burch, and sister Josephine Lochner.

She is survived by her brother, Anthony Reyes Jr. of Lakeland, FL and two daughters, Suzanne Kennedy of Lakeland, FL and Monique Kirby of Nashville, TN. She leaves behind 3 grandsons, Geoffrey Kirby, Shane Kennedy, and Colin Kirby, plus 4 great-grandchildren.

Rita was a kind and generous person who loved the Lord and her family deeply. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 118 W Lemon St. in Lakeland on Monday, January 23 at 10:00 am.

Flowers can be ordered from The Flower Cart (863-687-1783) 

In lieu of planting a tree the family asks to please make a donation to a Catholic church of your choosing .

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