Billie Jean Murch of Colorado Springs, Colorado went to be with the Lord on April 2, 2024. She passed away at home in Colorado Springs with her husband of 59 years by her side. 

Billie was born December 27, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri to William Roy Lamkin and Mildred Marie Lamkin. She graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas. 

As their families were close friends, Billie first met her best friend and husband Charles “Bud” Murch when she was just ten years old and he was twelve. They were married in Kirkwood, Missouri in 1965. Immediately following the wedding, the couple moved to Southern California where Billie worked as an elementary school teacher near their home in Rancho Palos Verdes for several years until she stopped teaching to stay at home and raise her children, Scott and Cherie. While in Southern California, Billie was actively involved in her children’s activities, social gatherings with dear friends, Bible studies, and her church. She served as wedding coordinator for Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates and later went on to start Beautiful Beginnings, her own wedding planning business. Inspired by the blessing of her own marriage, Billie worked to plan memorable and Christ-centered weddings for countless couples including those of her own children.

Upon Bud’s retirement in 1997, Billie and Bud moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to begin the next chapter of their lives. Retirement did not slow Billie down. Once in Colorado Springs, she served the Lord ceaselessly and made an eternal impact through intercessory prayer, volunteering for Christian ministries, and mentoring other women. She took great pride and joy being “Nana” to her four grandchildren and enjoyed planning activities, trips, and fun experiences to spend time with them and build lasting memories. 

Billie and Bud’s bond grew even stronger during retirement. Together, they traveled the world visiting multiple continents and dozens of countries. They enjoyed spending time with family, friends and neighbors along with quiet days and evenings praying, reading, and just being together. Through their marriage, Billie and Bud exalted and glorified God and exemplified to others what it looks like to love, cherish, and serve each other.

Small in stature but giant in spirit, all who knew Billie loved her and would describe her as the sweetest person they have ever known, a mighty prayer warrior, and a shining light for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she now rejoices with in heaven. 

Billie is survived by her husband, Charles Kirby Murch; her brother, Roy Wayne Lamkin and wife Beverley of Plano, Texas; her son, Scott Kirby Murch and wife Teresa of Manhattan Beach, California; and her daughter, Cherie Murch Rios and husband John, of Centennial, Colorado. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Luke David Rios, Amanda Lindsey Murch, Evan Charles Rios, and Nicole Madeleine Murch.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Intercessors for America or Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the innumerable friends and family members for their outpouring of love and support.

Service Information: The family has chosen to honor Billie’s memory with a Celebration of Life service befitting the way she lived her life - filled with joy and praise. 

Celebration of Life

10:00AM

Friday, June 14, 2024

Church for All Nations - Northeast Campus

6450 Templeton Gap Road

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.

The celebration will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please find the livestream link here: Billie Murch.