Virginia Elenor Ochs, age 93

November 7, 1930 – February 26, 2024

Virginia Elenor Ochs, age 93, of Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 12:12 AM – Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Willow Breeze Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Father Pawel Luczak officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 1, 2024, and 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to the mass at the church.  The burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.  In loving memory of Virginia, memorials may be made to Saint Thomas School.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left www.meyerfh.com

Virginia Elenor was born on November 7, 1930, in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Coletta (Ritz) Kocher.  She married Jacob "Jake" Ochs on July 20, 1950, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1973.

Virginia was a lifelong faithful member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois.  She was a woman of faith, letting the Lord lead her through many difficult times in her life.  She shared her love of the Lord with her children and grandchildren.  She had been an active member of the Saint Thomas Rosary Group, Saint Thomas Choir, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.

Virginia was an excellent cook, making everything from scratch and without a recipe.  She baked and decorated wedding cakes for over 35 years.  Virginia lived life to the fullest, being known as the "Chief" of the family.  She was passionate about many things such as flowers, NASCAR, Saint Louis Cardinals baseball, keeping "the books" on the stats of wins, losses and even the weather.  She loved a good party, family gatherings, fish fries inviting family and friends that were like family.  She had a camping family as well.  Virginia could be counted on for a good joke.  Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, and her many friends.  She always wanted to capture the moment with a picture together, which she treasured.

Virginia was a past member of the Jasper County Home Extension, Red Hats and was on a bowling league "The Foxy Ladies".  Over the past few years watching her birds out her window and her cat "Punky" brought her great joy.

Virginia is survived by:

Children - Gerald (Denisse) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Marvin (Dawn Ann Calvert) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Vince (Cathy) Ochs of Vandalia, Illinois; Gery (Dorette) Ochs of Newton, Illinois, Terry "Toad" (Jennifer) Ochs of Oblong, Illinois; Randy (Debbie) Ochs of Newton, Illinois, Brenda (John) Phillips of Newton, Illinois; Brent Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Delaine "Barney" (Melanie) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; and Pamela (Brandon) Francis of Newton, Illinois.

Sisters - Arlene Gumbel of Flora, Illinois; and Carolyn (Jim) Blank of Olney, Illinois

22 Grandchildren and 23 Great-Grandchildren with another due in May 2024

Several special nieces and nephews also survive.

Virginia was preceded in death by husband, parents, daughter-in-law Renee Ann Ochs, brothers Harold Kocher and Harlen Kocher, sister Gloria Ochs and her special sister-in-law May (Ochs) Einhorn.