BARBARA BIRCH, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of the Cleghorn, Iowa area passed away on November 21, 2015. Our beloved Mother, Mrs. Barbara June Beazley Birch passed away at her home in Phoenix.

"Mom" was born in Cherokee, Iowa in 1917 to Opal and Everett Beazley. She grew up in Iowa and married Milo P. Birch, now deceased, on November 28, 1937. She and Milo moved to the Family Farm (the "home place") just outside of Cleghorn, Iowa after they were married. She gave birth to sons; Larry Birch, John Birch, and daughters; Gloria Faye Birch and Jean Griffith.

In 1956, the family farm was sold and the entire family moved to Phoenix, AZ. "Mom" was employed by Motorola and retired after 22 years of dedicated employment. In her retirement, daughter Jean Griffith came to live with and would later become her sole caregiver. Siblings will be forever grateful to Jean's devotion and loving care.

"Mom" is also survived by sisters Elaine Mahoney of Cherokee, Iowa and Joann Bell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 5 great grandsons and 5 great granddaughters.

"Mom" was a very loving, kind, generous, & forgiving woman. She lived by her convictions that there was good in everyone. Her favorite comment when asked if she was ok, was, "it's just old age." She had positive thoughts about anyone in her life. Her example of living life with a generous spirit live in us all. She lived her life full of grace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee, IA at 10:00 AM. Rev. Eric Wright will officiate. Burial of the cremains will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa. The Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.