Leona Koch

Leona Koch, 106, died in St John, on June 26. She was born February 14, 1909 in Eugene, OR.

Leona attended school in Kittitas where she met Robert Koch, who worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. They were married February 14, 1927 at the home of her parents: Chris and Edna Mae Erland of Cedar Falls, WA.

They were married 55 years and had three children: Robert George, Edna and Harold. They moved to Sprague, after retirement from the railroad.

Leona was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star. She loved to play cards and work in her garden; sharing her produce with neighbors, friends and family, especially her famous dill pickles.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, son Robert, grandsons: Robert D. Koch and Kevin Smythe; son in law Robert FitzGerald; daughter in law Ruth Koch; sisters: Merle Worley and Severna Kirby and sister in law Helen Erland.

She is survived by her son Harold (Kae) Koch of Chehalis, daughter Edna FitzGerald of St John and brother Harold Erland of Bellevue; twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Leona will be laid to rest in Macabee Cemetery in Sprague, on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 a.m.

Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.