Nina Kay Burcham

Nina Kay Burcham (nee Gumble), 74, of Highland, IL, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2021 at her home.

Nina was born on December 17, 1946 to Delbert and Cleone (nee Wade) Gumble in Olney, IL.

Nina was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL; and assisted with PSR classes on Wednesday evenings. She worked as an Election Judge and was also a member of the Highland Garden Club, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Highland Women’s Club, where she served as Treasurer for several years.

Her teaching career started in 1971 and continued until her retirement in 2005, working in the East Richland School District, in Olney, IL, at Claremont, Silver Street, and East Richland Elementary School. During that time, she was a member of the IEANEA Teachers Union; holding several leadership positions.  After retirement, Nina assisted her son Brad in starting up Burcham Construction & Remodeling LLC.

Nina was an outgoing, tough as nails, loving mother, who always put her family first and herself last; never complaining.  She put all her energy into her family, spending time with them whenever she could; and always, showing her love to her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, going on trips with her family and friends, seeing Alaska, Hawaii and New York to name a few.  She loved working in her yard, camping, playing cards, and especially, her Jeep Wrangler; special to her since 1995.  Alfie, her canine companion for many years, meant the world.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Cleone Gumble; brother-in-law, Ralph Helm; sister-in-law, Linda Gumble; niece Danielle Gumble.

She is survived by her sons, Christopher Burcham, Zionsville, IN and Bradley (Rachel) Burcham, St. Jacob, IL; grandchildren, Katelyn and Emily Burcham, Brooklyn and Raelyn Burcham; siblings, Lila Helm, Harry Gumble, Daniel (Maria) Gumble; several nieces and nephews; and countless close friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Church, Highland, IL, the Highland Women’s Club, or the American Cancer Society.

Visitation: Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, June 4, 2021, 11:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul, Highland, IL.

After her services in Highland, IL, Nina will be taken home to Olney, IL.

Visitation: Friday, June 4, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, 205 East Elm St., Olney, IL.

Interment: Saturday, June 5, 2021, 10:00 am, St Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Olney, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.