Rossita "Rose" Burch

Rossita, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Rose,” answered God’s call on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Rutherford Hospital in Rutherford, North Carolina. She was born on April 12, 1952, in Washington, D.C., the only child of the late Staff Sergeant Walter J. and Helen B. Dallas.

Shortly after her birth, Rose and her family moved to Germany, where her father was stationed until his passing in 1964. Heartbroken by the loss, Rose and her mother returned to the United States, where she continued her education in the D.C. Public School system.

After completing her education, Rose married David Burch, Sr., and together they welcomed four children: David, Michelle, Sharon, and Anthony, whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed being a stay‑at‑home mother—cooking, cleaning, and creating a warm, loving home for her family. She also loved to sing. Her children often heard her singing at the top of her lungs, filling the house with songs like A Change Is Gonna Come,  Jesus Loves Me, and This Little Light of Mine, one of her children’s all‑time favorites.

In 1978, when finances became challenging, Rose sought employment outside the home and was immediately hired as a waitress with Professional Food Management in Silver Spring, MD. A few years later, she was promoted to head cook and eventually entrusted with overseeing the company’s largest contract at Springvale Terrace Senior Living Facility.

It was there that Rose truly carved out a space for herself, allowing God to use her to bring joy to others. Residents would often try to outwalk one another just to see who could hug Rose first. Seniors lined up at the dining hall door each morning, greeting her with “How’s my girl?” or asking, “What do you have for us today, Rose?” She prepared meals for 100 residents three times a day, five days a week—and they adored her cooking. When she went on vacation, they would complain, refuse to eat, and ask, “When is Rose coming back?”

Rose retired in 2003. After years of serving others, she relocated to Shelby, NC, where she later married and lovingly cared for L.C. Surratt, Jr., until his passing in 2011.

In the years that followed, you could find Rose doing what she loved most—caring for the seasoned members of her community, cooking and singing at her local church, and riding through the country roads with her sidekick, “Weeber” or “Cooper.”

She leaves to cherish her memory her four children—David, Michelle, Sharon, and Anthony—two daughters‑in‑law, Eugeania and Natasia, her one and only grandson, Michael and a host of family and friends.

Services will take place at Thompson Mortuary & Chapel on Tuesday January 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm.