Lora Jean Kocher, age 60

Of Newton, Illinois passed away at 6:45 AM - Monday, September 8, 2014 at her home.

Funeral services celebrating Lora's life will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 11, 2014 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, IL with Fr. Al Kemme officiating. Burial will be in the Trexler Cemetery in rural Newton, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the church. In loving memory of Lora, memorials may be made to South Eastern Illinois Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care of Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, IL. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Lora Jean was born on July 22, 1954 in Effingham, Illinois the daughter of Millard and Rosa (Klier) Bixler. She graduated from Newton Community High School in 1972 and went on to attend Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

Lora married Edward "Ed" Kocher on June 17, 1973 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois and he survives.

Lora was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. For years she was an active participant in the operation and management of her and Ed's grain and seedstock operation. She was a past employee of Hartrich Star Market and later an Ag and Commercial lender for First Financial Corporation until her illness forced her into retirement. Lora's greatest joy was being the mother of two great sons and took pride in their lives and embraced the wives they took and the families they now have. She loved music and watching the Illini, Cardinals and NFL.

Lora was an avid golfer and was past president of Jasper County Ladies Golf Association and co-chairman of the Richland County Ladies Golf Association.

Lora touched many lives being active in numerous organizations.

She coached girls' softball; Junior High volley ball; Youth Group Leader at St. Mary's Church in Ste. Marie; Boys Park Board; Newton Athletic Booster Board; Jasper County Pork Producers; Sunrise Community Center Board; ARC Regional Board and Newton Chapter of Rotary International receiving the honor of Paul Harris Fellow.

Lora loved being around and inspiring people with her infectious smile and laughter. She will be missed by those whose lives she touched especially her friends and family who she loved so much.

Lora is survived by-

Husband of 41 years – Edward Kocher of Newton, IL

Sons- Scott A. (Lindi) Kocher of Conway Springs, Kansas and

Matthew E. (Kerryann) Kocher of Fishers, Indiana

Grandchildren- Owen & Emily Kocher of Conway Springs, Kansas

Clea & Kirby Kocher of Fishers, Indiana

Sisters- Sandra Hartrich of Newton, Illinois

Judy (Dennis) Hartrich of White House, Tennessee

Brother-in-laws – Paul Johnson of Newton, Illinois and Gary Henry of Florida

Several nieces, nephews also survive

Special Caregiver – Kitty Beasley

Lora was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Elnora Johnson and Wanda Henry and

brother-in- law Kenneth Hartrich.