Katherine Marie Koch

It is with both heavy hearts and warm memories that we announce the passing of Katherine Koch on December 30, 2024. Known to her loved ones as "Mom," "Grammy,” “Kathy” and truly everyone as a friend, she was a woman who embraced life with a spirit full of adventure and boundless energy.

Kathy was born in Selah, WA on August 27, 1938.  Graduated from Grandview High School in 1957 and married the love of her life Chris Koch on February 1, 1958.  Kathy and Chris started their family right away and the adventures began.  Chris served in the US Army with Kathy by his side.  They hit the ground running and complemented each other perfectly.

From her early years working in the fields cutting asparagus, pruning grapes and picking cherries to her roles as a waitress, bartender, bookkeeper, and co-owner of C & C Welding & Mfg., she thrived in diverse professions. She also worked as a ward clerk at Prosser Hospital, delivering mail for Banner Bank and packed meat for a butcher. After retirement, she continued to serve her community by volunteering at the HOBS Charity Shop in Prosser.

Mom was a traveler at heart. Whether it was an impromptu beach trip, a camping excursion, or adventure to Europe, she was always ready to pack her bags and explore the world. Her journey, however, wasn’t quite complete — Egypt remained on her list of destinations to see, but we find comfort in knowing she’s now off on the greatest adventure of all.

A woman who never turned down an opportunity for fun, Mom was a source of endless joy and inspiration. “Never grow old!" she'd say with a smile. Even with the loss of her beloved Husband Chris in 1994, she continued to live life with a full heart, often sharing how much she missed him and how no one could make her laugh quite like he did.

Mom was a creative soul. From sewing Halloween costumes for her grandkids to diving into new craft projects, she was always up for a challenge. Her love of cooking was legendary, with a never-ending stack of cookbooks beside her, each recipe an opportunity to try something new.

Her spontaneous nature meant we never knew where the next adventure would take us. "We accidentally went to Portland" or found ourselves on a trip to who-knows-where, just following wherever the wind blew. Mom’s ability to make each day an adventure is something we’ll always cherish.

She was not only our mother but truly our best friend. A woman of great strength, determination, and sweetness, she was always the first to offer a smile and a word of wisdom. "Fiddlesticks!" she'd say when life threw a challenge her way — and she would face it with grace, humor, and tenacity.

Her love for us was unwavering, and we are all better people because of her. Mom touched the lives of so many, and though she is deeply missed, we find peace knowing she is no longer tired, but simply resting. We are proud to have called her ours and strive every day to be half the person she was.

Kathy is survived by her children Cheryl Hauver, Chris “George” and wife Marleen Koch, and Tina and Erv Gillis.  Grandchildren Aric Hauver, Christy Hauver, Katie Gillis and Josh Koch, Jarrod Tilstra and Jeffrey Tilstra.  Great Grandchildren Cannon, Carter, Blake, Phenex and Alyssa.  Her Brother Jerry Frank and Sister Arlene Bruden.  She also is survived by many family and friends. She is reunited with her Husband Chris Koch, Parents Henry and Margaret Frank, Son in Law Glenn Hauver, Grandson Alan Hauver and Brother Tom Frank.

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge the dedicated caregivers who have supported mom. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment brought her comfort and dignity. We are especially grateful to The Orchards of Grandview and Heatlinks Hospice for the exceptional care provided in recent months. The staff’s love and attention extended not only to Mom but also to our family, offering support, comfort, and a sense of peace during this challenging time. We will forever be thankful for their gentle presence and the kindness they showed in making Mom’s final days as peaceful and loving as possible.

Please join us to celebrate Kathy on Tuesday January 7, 2025.  Viewing is 9:30 a.m. with service at 11:00 am  with a celebration of her adventures following at the Smith Funeral Home, Grandview, WA. Burial will be at the East Prosser Cemetery, Prosser, WA 

Mom, we love you. Thank you for being our light, our laughter, and our greatest adventure. You will always be in our hearts. Forever missed, forever loved.

In the words of Grammy, “Fiddlesticks – Let’s cherish life and make it count!

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