Loretta Koch

Loretta (Gene) Koch, 95, passed peacefully on the morning of November 1, 2024. She was born June 29, 1929, in Skidmore, TX to Robert Albert Pustka and Burnis Ophelia Hardin. She was preceded in death by both her parents; her identical twin sister Roberta Dene “Tody” Tiffee; and her husband of 55 years, Adrian “Porter” Koch.

Gene graduated from Texas A&I University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1950. She received a Master’s of Elementary Certificate from the State of New Mexico Department of Education in 1952, and a Master’s of Bilingual Education from Texas A&I University in 1976. She spent 40 years teaching elementary education. She retired in 1991.

Gene was a proud member of the Kingsville American Legion Auxiliary and Kingsville Elks Auxiliary where she served in several offices from Tiler, Secretary, Vice President, and President. Gene could be found regularly in “her spot” at the “ladies table” at the Elks Lodge. Gene and so many others spent countless days and nights contributing to the Elks through their work and fundraising with the auxiliary be it decorating, baking, cooking, serving, filing out raffle tickets, and so much more. They were a group of friends unprecedented to the auxiliary providing to so many great organizations.

Gene leaves behind her son, Kenny (Pam) Koch of Kinder, Louisiana; daughter Kay Ann (Terry) Lawson of Kingsville; two grandsons, Chase Yaklin (Dr. Teresa Le) of Fort Worth; Clayton (Jennifer) Tiemann of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one granddaughter Adrianna McClain of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and great-grandchild Benjamin McCain.

Gene was so exceedingly proud of her two grandsons and anyone that knew her could hear her boast on their accomplishments. Chase is a Pediatric ICU Charge Nurse in Fort Worth, Texas and Clayton a Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Chase talked to his grandmother every day, and Clayton still has the blanket she sent him overseas when he first enlisted.

She was a loving wife, mother, and best friend to all. She wanted everyone to know the best things in life are the people you love, the places you have been and the memories you’ve made along the way together. The family is grateful for all the condolences extended.

At our mother’s request, no service will be held. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date with Family and Friends (Our Extended Family).