Elsie Burchett Obituary

(Elsie) Hope Wilcox Wieas Burchett, age 93, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Nashville. She was born August 11, 1932, at home in Albion, Indiana one of five daughters born to Mildred (Cook) and Arthur F. Wilcox.

At age 12, Hope moved with her family to Vermontville, where her faith journey began and continued to grow throughout her life. She often shared how much she cherished her years growing up there. A 1950 graduate of Vermontville High School, she recently attended her 75th class reunion celebration, gathering with dear friends and one remaining classmate.

Hope began her working life at the Hastings Telephone Company. She later attended Portland Bible College in Oregon and graduated with honors from Kellogg Community College School of Nursing, earning her R.N. in 1968. Over her distinguished nursing career, she served as a Med/Surg, ICU, Industrial, Neo-natal, and Psychiatric Nurse, completing her career at Battle Creek Adventist Hospital. In retirement, she faithfully volunteered with hospice, continuing her ministry of compassionate care.

In 1979, she married Jack Burchett and stayed by his side until his passing in 2023. Together they shared deep love and companionship, traveling to 46 states by motorcycle and spending treasured time at their vacation home in Baldwin. Simple joys—frequent trips for ice cream, daily two-mile walks, birdwatching, reading, studying God’s Word, and watching lambs from her window—filled her life with contentment.

In her final years, Hope made her home at S&J Flower House in Nashville, where she was surrounded by genuine friendship, attentive care, and deep affection. She had heartfelt gratitude and love for the staff of S&J Flower House and Heart-to-Heart Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and love shown to her in her final days. Their support brought comfort and peace not only to Hope, but to all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, and three sisters. She is survived by her sister Helen of Portland, Oregon; her son Mark, daughter Lynn, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and three stepdaughters.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Union Cemetery 9975 North Avenue, Dowling, Michigan with a luncheon to follow at Country Chapel 9275 S M 37 Hwy. Dowling, MI 49050. Memorial contributions may be made to Country Chapel or Spiritual Care Consultants of West Michigan (earmarked “Missions”). Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.