She was born Oct. 23, 1910, in Concordia, the daughter of Samuel Mardella and Nellie Elizabeth (Doak) Steele. She grew up in the Concordia/Glasco area and graduated from Concordia High School. She also attended Wesleyan College in Salina.

Mrs. Koch taught school in the Concordia area for four years. She moved to Lawrence in 1941, to Lenexa in 1968 and to Olathe in 1989. She was a sales clerk for J.C. Penney, Rothchilds and Montgomery-Ward. She was a member of First Christian Church, Lawrence.

She married James E. Koch on May 5, 1930, in Concordia. He died Nov. 21, 1970.

Survivors include a daughter, Carol R. Falkner, Lenexa; a sister, Leta N. Pearce, Dallas; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Two sons, James G. Koch and Robert S. Koch, died earlier.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.