Betty Jean Birch-Heppermann

Betty Jean Birch - Heppermann (nee Mathews), formerly of O’Fallon, MO, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at the age of 94. Beloved wife of her first husband, the late Donald B. Birch and her second husband, the late Joe Heppermann; cherished daughter of the late Francis W. and Josephine Mathews; devoted mother of Tina (Dave) Curtis, Patty (Scott) Dowler, John Birch, Pam Schwarzen, and three daughters who also preceded her in death, Carol Kreyling, Debbie Corliss, and Shelly Birch; loving grandmother of 38; dear sister of the late Matt Mathews; and treasured aunt of many nieces and nephews, especially her nephew Gary Mathews (Maria). Betty was a cherished care giver to her fur babies, Pete, Annie, and Odin.

Betty began her working life as a nurse’s aide right out of high school and later worked bucking rivets on F-4 Phantom jets for McDonnell-Douglas in the 1960s. During the summers, she worked in the concession stand at the O’Fallon City Pool, where she became a second mom to many of the teens who worked there. Betty went on to dedicate 25 years of service to the Fort Zumwalt School District, earning recognition and honors upon her retirement. After retiring from Fort Zumwalt, Betty worked part-time as a receptionist for Baue Funeral Home in O’Fallon. She was an active member of the Educational Secretaries Organization at the state, county, and national levels. Betty was a former parishioner of Assumption Parish and Barnabas Parish in O’Fallon, as well as Immaculate Heart of Mary in New Melle. She also devoted 14 years to delivering Meals on Wheels for the O’Fallon Senior Center and Green Lantern Senior Center in Wentzville and received numerous volunteer awards in recognition of her many hours of service to the community. Betty enjoyed dancing, especially swing, country line dancing, and ballroom dancing. She loved traveling throughout the United States with friends and on bus tours, playing cards and games with family and friends, attending luncheons with her girlfriends, and had an appreciation for classical music. Betty was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made in Betty's name to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, 17500 Manchester Road, Wildwood, MO 63040