Cecil “Marie” Koch was born on November 29, 1933 to Cecil Tommy Church and Grace McDonald Church in Durant Oklahoma. She returned to the Lord in the early morning of March 26, 2025.
Marie came to California with her family as a young girl during the dust bowl days of the mid 1930’s. She grew up in DiGiorgio, California, a company owned farm community between Bakersfield and Arvin. She graduated from Kern Union High School, and a few years later graduated from Bakersfield College as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Her first husband, Frank Royal, passed away when they were both just 23, leaving her with two sons, 3 year old Thomas, and 6 week old Carlos. She worked at Manor Lodge Convalescent Hospital for 16 years. Marie later married Walter “Walt” Koch in 1971. The couple enjoyed a rich life together. They were active members at University Baptist Church, now called Parkside Church for several years. After leaving her nursing career, Marie helped Walt run their business, Walt’s Diesel Repair, until Walt passed away in 2005. Marie and Walt were active members of the Fox Foundation, helping to restore the theater, specifically the tower clock. They were also members of the Model T Ford Club of Kern County, and considered the other members as family. Together they drove on many tours, and in countless parades with the old cars. The couple were members of the local clock club, and loved collecting antiques and antique clocks. When Walt built & donated a street clock to the city of Bakersfield just before he passed, Marie was instrumental in getting it installed at 20th & H streets across from the Fox Theater. They were also involved in the restoration of the Beale Clock Tower at the Kern County Museum.
Marie was preceded in death by her first husband Frank Royal, then by her husband of 35 years, Walter Koch, her father Cecil T. Church, mother Grace Church, step mother Maude Church, two brothers, Earl and Tommy Church, Stepson Mark Koch, Grandson Christopher Koch, Granddaughter Amber Royal, and Great granddaughter Arrietty Royal. She is survived by two sisters, Cecile Scott and Kathleen Williams, sons Thomas (Linda) and Carlos Royal (Reva), grandchildren Joshua Royal, Misti Royal Walton, Austin Royal, Kindal Royal, Hanna Royal, Riley Royal, Michelle Royal Turner and Todd Royal, step children Aven Pecor, Andrew Koch (Cindy), Walter Koch Jr., step grandchildren Cami Pecor, David Witcher, Denice Deathridge, Karla Koch, and many many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mom deeply loved her family and truly enjoyed her grand and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express thanks to the loving caregivers and friends Marie made during her last few years while living at Village Gardens Senior Lifestyles Homes.
Services will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel, Viewing will be April 8, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Memorial service will be April 9, at 9:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at 10:00 AM.
You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Cecil Marie Koch or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com.
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