Mary Ellen Koch

Mary Ellen Koch passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 at the age of 90.

She was born to Marion Reece and Helen Peter Gueck on Feb. 23, 1931, the eldest of six children born to their marriage and spent most of her early years at the family farm west of Haxtun.

Music was a big part of her high school years. She played her father's alto saxophone and excelled in her band and solo work. She also enjoyed business subjects and had thoughts of attending the University of Colorado to study business. Instead, after graduation from Haxtun High School in 1948, she chose to marry Merl Koch.

Merl and Mary had a long and happy marriage of 71 years. They lived on the Koch homestead south of Haxtun and there reared four children: Beverly, Gary, Laurie and Joanie. As a young bride Mary Ellen began her education as a farm wife - helping with farm chores, taking care of livestock, running errands for machine parts, taking meals to the field and helping during harvest. She managed to keep a spotless home and her children under control. She was constantly trying new recipes, making birthdays special and economizing to help her family. She learned to sew as an adult and made many pieces of clothing for her daughters. The children remember returning home from school to see her ironing laundry and the home smelling of freshly baked bread. Mary Ellen was always busy and always prepared.

Merl and Mary shared a love of music throughout their lives. They sang duets, participated in church cantatas, enjoyed concerts and had music playing in their home much of the time.

While in high school Mary Ellen made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her faith was her source of strength throughout her life. Merl and Mary Ellen were committed to rearing their children in a Christian home. To their family they passed on their knowledge of the Lord and their hope that their children would trust in Him also. Mary Ellen leaves the priceless heritage of a praying mother to her family. She talked to God about their life situations and needs on a daily basis.

She was active in the Berean Bible Church as a teacher and musician. For several years she worked at Haxtun Community Bank and the flower shop before health issues dictated that she stop. She was always present when her children had school activities and she was a vocal Bulldog and Broncos fan.

Mary Ellen spent her final years in the Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke and the Haxtun Hospital Extended Care Unit. She was there because mini-strokes took the use of her legs. Her family often commented that she never complained about her lot in life. It was hard for her to be away from her family and home, but she didn't live with a negative spirit, which was a gift to her family. In many ways she was like her mother, Helen Gueck, who although she suffered many difficulties in life, was never heard to complain.

She is survived by children Beverly and husband Dean Anderson, Kingman, Kan., Gary and wife Jeni Koch, Haxtun, Laurie and husband Arlan Scholl, Holyoke, and Joanie and husband Mark Groshans, Holyoke; grandchildren Ryan and wife Ashley Anderson, Torrey Brown, Karin and husband Levi Williamson, Kayte Koch, Leslie and husband Matt Jordan and Kaylee and husband Jacob Woicik; eight great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters; sisters Marjory Blue and Caroline and husband Mark McLaughlin; brothers Larry and wife Lois Gueck and Howard and wife Jean Gueck; and many friends.

She will be remembered as a lady who loved her family and her Savior.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brother Kenneth Gueck.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8 at the Berean Bible Church in Haxtun.

Memorial contributions will be to Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke or the Haxtun Hospital Extended Care Unit.