Romonna Josephine Hunzinger Ochs, age 97

November 10, 1923 – April 6, 2021

Romonna Josephine Hunzinger Ochs, age 97, of Sainte Marie, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 PM – Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Lavender Ridge Memory Care in Olney, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM – Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois, with Fr. Dean Probst celebrating mass.  Burial will be in the Saint Mary's Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM – Friday, April 9, 2021, and from 10:00-11:00 AM – Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the church.  In loving memory of Romonna, memorials may be made to the Sainte Marie Foundation or Carle Richland Hospice.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.

Romonna was born on November 10, 1923, in rural Jasper County, Illinois, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Fehrenbacher) Copper.  She married Richard Hunzinger on June 29, 1946, and he preceded her in death on July 10, 1964.  She later married Lorraine "Johnny" Ochs on February 11, 1989, and he survives.

Romonna graduated from Newton Community High School in 1941.  During World War II, Romonna went to worked as "Rosie the Riveter" at the Evansville Defense Plant.  She also had worked as a telephone operator, bookkeeper and florist.

Romonna retired after 25 years of service as the Postmaster of Sainte Marie, which she called the best job in the world.  After her retirement, she enjoyed her flower gardens and making handmade quilts, that she shared with everyone in the family.

Romonna was a lifelong member of Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and was a charter member of the Sainte Marie American Legion Post #932 Auxiliary.  She enjoyed traveling with Johnny and special friends and had visited all 50 states.

Romonna is survived by:

Husband of 32 years – Johnny Ochs

Daughters – Susan (Roger) Wheat of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Bonnie (Mark) Petty of Arcola, Illinois; and Jane (Denny) Gordon of Olathe, Kansas

Grandchildren – Sam (Cindy) Mitchell, Jeff (Dusti) Mitchell, Aimee Gariby, Ryan (Jesse) Petty, Andrew Petty, Ellie Gordon (Fiancé Kyle Zeigler)

Great Grandchildren – Brayden Mitchell, Mason Mitchell, Keisha Edwards, Ross Petty, Jase Petty, Joslyn Gariby, Jessica Kirby and Devin Kirby

6 Great-great Grandchildren

She is also survived by Johnny's loving children and grandchildren

Romonna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, sister Dolors Brockett and brother Norman Copper.

Romonna's family would like to give a special thanks to the Carle Richland Hospice, Lavender Ridge and her very special caregivers Amy, Jenny and Megan.