She was born in Chattanooga, TN to Jerome Cochran McWhorter and Altie Belle Doyle McWhorter on March 21, 1915. She and her husband, Ralph Byron Koch lived in Chicago where “Vange” taught arts and crafts, sewing and millinery in the Chicago Park District for 23 years.
In 1972, they moved to Bradenton and enjoyed an active retirement for over 40 years. As an artist, she excelled in every medium she pursued, including watercolors, ceramics, glass work, enameling, doll making, woodcarving, and millinery.
Mrs. Koch was a long-time member of CrossPointe Fellowship Church in Anna Maria.
She is survived by two devoted daughters, Judith Duncan (Marion) of Anna Maria and Dr. Sallie Lau (Russell Bacon) of Bradenton; grandchildren, Darcie Duncan of Holmes Beach, Melissa Rack of Knoxville, TN, Troy Frystak (Kris Collins) of Oregon City, OR, Tanya Frystak of Kaneohe, HI; and great-grandchildren, Jade, Caleb and Danae Rack, Kaipo Kiaaina, Taimane Hallums and Sawyer Frystak.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11 AM at CrossPointe Fellowship Church, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.
