Katherine "Kathi" Marie (McDowell) Burch

Katherine Marie Burch

May 24, 1953 – February 7, 2025

Katherine Marie Burch, nee McDowell, affectionately known as Kathi, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, surrounded by close family members. Born on May 24, 1953, in Clinton, Indiana to Joseph and Myrtle McDowell, Kathi lived a life defined by her love of family, teaching, and finding joy in the small things.

Kathi married her high school sweetheart, Mick Burch, and together they shared fifty-two and a half wonderful years of marriage. Their love and dedication to each other served as a beautiful example to their children, Jessi (Jeff) Purcell of Clinton, Indiana, and Casey (Jennifer) Burch of Western Springs, Illinois. Kathi was a proud grandmother to Owen and Reece Purcell, and Theo, Nolan, and Della Burch. 

Preceded in death by her father, Joseph McDowell, Kathi is survived by her mother, Myrtle McDowell; her sister, Billi Jo McDowell; and her aunts, Jackie (Herb) Donald and Helen Gambaiani. Additionally, she leaves behind many close cousins, friends, and former students who loved her dearly.

A lifelong learner and active community member, Kathi was a proud member of Tri Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the United Methodist Church.

Kathi’s interests reflected her adventurous and caring spirit. As a child, she loved playing "Pony Express" with her beloved horse, Apache, a cherished gift for her sixth birthday. She was a cheerleader at Clinton High School and her husband’s biggest fan, serving as a dedicated groupie to his band throughout the years.

Kathi had an unmatched passion for consuming and sharing information in great detail. Whether it was reading every word of museum or park exhibits on family vacations or studying restaurant menus from start to finish, Kathi savored the experience of learning.

Above all, Kathi was a natural caregiver, always putting the needs of others before her own.  Known for her positivity, Kathi had a remarkable ability to find the silver lining in everyone, and everything, ordinarily expressing kind and thoughtful words—with the exception of smartphones, which she steadfastly refused to adopt. 

Kathi attended Indiana State University, where she prepared for a career that would touch countless lives. She was a dedicated Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at both Indiana State University and South Vermillion High School.  Her exceptional teaching earned her the Family and Consumer Sciences State Teacher of the Year award.  However, what she treasured most were the heartfelt notes from her students, who remembered her as a caring and influential mentor.

Kathi had a knack for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. She often caught a quick snooze during drive-in movies, loved bargain hunting at her favorite shopping spots, frequented the post office to send care packages to her children and grandchildren, and always found time in her busy schedule to enjoy HGTV shows and dream up her next renovation. Her patience, warmth, and generosity will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Kathi’s life will be held on Saturday, March 8th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clinton Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to South Vermillion High School for the Family and Consumer Science Program, honoring Kathi’s lifelong dedication to teaching and helping others.

Kathi’s memory will live on in the many lives she touched, from her family and friends to the many students who benefited from her guidance and care. She will be forever loved.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.frisftuneralhome.com

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