Marjorie Carol Koch (1949-2023)

Marjorie Carol Koch passed away at her home with family by her side on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 at the age of 74 years.

Marjorie was born Feb. 10, 1949, to John and Vona Schmoekel in Ellsworth, Kan. She was both baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, north Ellsworth. After attending St. Paul Lutheran Parochial Grade School and graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1967, Marjie married Gary Whitcher, and to this union her daughter Darcy Rae was born.

As life is known to do, a few curveballs were thrown in Marjie’s direction and she and Gary parted ways, which is when she chose Salina to be her home for the rest of her life. It was during this time that she met and married her soulmate, Jim Koch. On June 21, 1986, they were wed at a beautiful ceremony in the park.

Marjie was a very kind-hearted, caring person who always greeted you with a smile. Her strength showed every time she’d have another battle with different health issues that she’d refuse to let win. It seems every person has a purpose in their life, and Marjie’s was to be a caregiver, whether it be family, animals, or just someone who needed a hug. Her love of chickens and roosters showed with the decor of her home. This was surprising after being raised on the farm with the “rooster from hell” that attacked anything moving. (He was finally made into soup!)

Her true joy in life came when her only granddaughter, Emma, was born. Being able to watch and attend her many activities made her life complete.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Jim; daughter Darcy (Frank) Kelly; granddaughter Emma Kelly; sister Ruth (Brock) Mueller; sisters-in-law Diane Koch Mannebach, Nada (Kennan) Ingalsbe and Claudine (Jeff) Smit; brother-in-law Bobby (Gena) Koch; and many nieces and nephews.

Per her wishes, Marjie chose cremation, with her ashes to be spread at the Schmoekel farm where she was born and raised. This will take place at a later date with close family and friends.

Memorials may be sent to Gentiva Hospice, 2100 S. 9th St., Suite C, Salina, Kan. 67401.