Lynda Sue Burch

A beautiful soul who always put the needs of others ahead of herself, passed away suddenly on December 30, 2023. Lynda Sue “Susie” Burch (nee Ritcher), age 73, of St Louis County, MO(originally Herculaneum, MO), died of a massive heart attack at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St Louis, MO on December 30th, 2023. Immediate family and relatives knew her as Susie, to others she was known as Lynda.

She was born in St Louis at Saint Alexian Brothers hospital in 1950 to Eugene “Gene” Arthur Ritcher and Anna (Ann) Louise Ritcher (nee Wagster), who adored their children. Lynda enjoyed visiting Pensacola, thanks to family being there, like Judy Buza, almost once a year from 1957-2020 when the pandemic shortened their last snowbird trip. She also enjoyed getting to meet Yul Brenner & him signing her cast at the Muny after her and (another) Judy crashed a go-cart and Lynda subsequently broke her arm!  She graduated from Herculaneum High in 1968 and married a high school sweetheart immediately after graduation. After a year of being an Army wife, she was divorced and home again at 19. She studied at Jefferson Community college and later UMSL. She had made lifelong friends, Nancy, Barb and Kathy at Monsanto and Marilyn Ferkel, a longtime partner in Real Estate over the years before becoming an author and publisher of children’s books (Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc) later in life, where she met her favorite illustrator, Casey.

Gary – met the love of his life, Lynda in 1969, after returning from 4 years in the Air Force. They were inseparable in 1970 and left a note and eloped shortly after Christmas. It took them a couple of days to find a county and a Judge that was willing, but on 12/31/70, they married in Perry County, MO. Gene reminded Gary for many years thereafter that Lynda had lived with him for 360+ days and Gary claimed her on taxes in 1970!

Jonathon – an only child, was conceived after 5 full years of blissful marriage may or may not have “broken” Lynda's ability to have more children. Lynda was short and indicated at 9+ months of pregnancy and multiple months of bedrest, she was ROUNDER at 63” than taller at 62”! Jon and wife Stephanie couldn’t wait to start a family of their own and give Lynda and Gary their only potential grandchildren. Katelyn, 18 University of Arkansas Freshman and Lilly, 15, Mehlville HS Sophomore meant the world to them. Pa-pa and Ma’am-ma never missed a local twirling event or gymnastics meet! And the kids too relished in the excitement of the annual spring break trip to Pensacola or summers by the pool in South County.

Lynda will always be remembered for her kindness and sharp wit and the way that she was literally charged by sunshine.  She may not have received any specific degrees, but she was an amateur botanist, astronomer, alternative medicinist and clearly the best mom a son could ask for. Lynda’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. 

She was preceded in death by parents Gene and Anna, nephews Justin and baby Michael and is survived by husband Gary, sisters Patricia Ritcher & Tracey Lohmann (Fritz), brother Michael Ritcher, nieces Allison & Morgan Ritcher & son Jonathon Burch (Stephanie) and granddaughters Katelyn and Lilly.

In lieu of a service, her wishes were to be cremated. However, donations to the Missouri Botanical Garden, American Heart or Diabetes Association in her honor would be greatly appreciated.