Laurie M. Birch, 74, of Webster Groves, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on January 1, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, Laurie was the beloved daughter of the late Harry and Jeannette Andrews. She was also the twin sister to a brother who passed away at birth.
Laurie dedicated her career to caring for children as a pediatric nurse before retiring. She made Webster Groves her lifelong home, where she raised her family and planted lasting roots.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Ray Birch; daughters, Tara (Toby) Mechem and Tiffany (Adam) Watkins; cherished grandchildren, Natalie and Jameson Mechem and Grace Watkins; siblings Alixe (Steve) Ward and Joel Andrews; and many other relatives and friends.
Laurie loved the water and traveling the country by RV with Ray. She inherited her father’s love of gardening, enjoyed cooking, and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and daughters. Strong-willed yet playful and young at heart, Laurie had a special style and approach to life that her family and friends will remember fondly.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Ready Readers in her honor.
I’m heartbroken! Such a dear friend for many years! Condolences to her family!
Forever my baby sister. She came into this world fighting for her life and maintained that determination until the end. Now she is with our parents and Jesus. She will meet her twin brother for the first time since they were separated by his death at birth. We will all miss her but have many loving memories
Dear Ray and family,
What a beautiful photo of Laurie. I am so sorry for your loss. It was a long hard battle and she fought it well. Hold your memories close. God Bless.
Laurie looks so healthy & beautiful in your chosen photo. I was sad to hear of Laurie’s passing.
Ray, is a friend of one of my friends, from Missouri Marc McVicker.
My friends in my spirituality group had prayed, & had candles lighting for Laurie for many months now. Having lost so many family members of my own, I understand how ye all feel about losing Laurie.
May love, compassion, & acceptance be your ultimate source of comfort. Laurie’s mortal clothes has departed, her soul lives on forever.
Dià Duit, from the Emerald Isle of Ireland.
Laurie looks so healthy & beautiful in your chosen photo. I was sad to hear of Laurie’s passing.
Ray, is a friend of one of my friends, from Missouri, Marc McVicker.
My friends in my spirituality group had prayed, & had candles lighting for Laurie for many months now. Having lost so many family members of my own, I understand how ye all feel about losing Laurie.
May love, compassion, & acceptance be your ultimate source of comfort. Laurie’s mortal clothes has departed, her soul lives on forever.
Dià Duit, from the Emerald Isle of Ireland.