Shirley Ann Koch, 96, passed away at her home in Fairway, KS on July 8, 2026.

She was born on June 12, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Harry and Elizabeth Geivett. She was the youngest of three children, joining sister, Marian, and her brother, Leonard.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick “Corky” Koch, granddaughter Kaitlynn Renfrow, daughter-in-law Theresa Koch, son-in-law Drew Renfrow, and grandson Joe Koch.

Shirley is survived by her five children: Kathy Koch of Maryland, Fred (Sherrie) Koch of Virginia, Gail McGowan of Kansas, Kevin (Teresa) Koch of Kansas and Janis Renfrow of Virginia. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

She worked at Lake City Arsenal in Independence, MO and met co-worker Corky Koch through friends. They were married on November 14, 1953. Through the years they lived in Raytown, MO, South Bend, Indiana, Falls Church, VA and then nearing retirement, Warrensburg, MO. Their final move was to Fairway, KS into a house built by their son, Kevin. Seeing each other was as easy as walking down the sidewalk between their homes. They relished being that close to their three granddaughters and watching them grow for so many years. After Corky’s passing, daughter Gail lived with Shirley for 11 years and was an attentive caregiver. Shirley was able to remain in her home until her passing, just as she had wanted.

Shirley was a homemaker. Her children especially remember Saturday night homemade pizza, white lasagna with bechamel sauce, making pickles, and caramel cakes. The family took yearly vacations back to Kansas City & Baileyville to visit family.

Shirley was a devoted caregiver during the seven years lived in Warrensburg. She enjoyed following all the families’ travel destinations, as she tried to keep track of where in the world everyone was on a given day. In her later years she loved to watch photos of everyone on her digital picture frame.

There will be a private burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Baileyville, KS, next to her husband.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday July 17^th at 6:00 pm at Castle Hall, 601 Castle Street, Seneca, KS for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City, MO.