Carole Turner Koch, 85

Carole Turner Koch, 85, passed away on June 26, 2021, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Carole was born in Lepanto, Arkansas, on Jan. 31, 1936. She was born to Delbert and Louise Turner. Carole joined a family of two brothers and one sister. Later another girl was added to the family. Carole was raised and educated in Three Rivers, Michigan. There she developed her love of the outdoors. The Three Rivers Bible Church was her mentor and her guide during her growing up years.

At the age of 18, Carole went to Western Michigan University. There she obtained the first and most important of her degrees. She struggled to find enough money, working and taking all the odd jobs she could. In the summers she worked on the South American cruise ship that sailed the Great Lakes. Carole would go on to obtain more degrees and attend four more universities.

Carole married and divorced Tom Logan and produced her two children, Eric Logan and Alicia Logan. Her children were a joy to her and gave her four grandchildren.

Carole taught the hearing impaired in both Michigan and Nevada for a total of 31 years.

Carole married Andrew Koch Jr. and they resided in the Columbia Falls area for many years. Together they built and sold five homes. In the retirement years, they traveled the world over, and Carole took in the outdoors in many forms. She and Andrew were known for their vegetable garden and beautiful yard. They were active in Columbia Falls, St. Richard’s, the Kalispell Duplicate Bridge Club and Glacier View Golf Course.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Smitty, her brothers Harold and Bill, and her dear sister, Jessie; also her beloved aunt, Zona Pryor. One of the sad elements of her life was the passing of her family before they reached their older years.

She is survived by her children, Eric and Alicia; her sister and best friend, Helen, and Roger, her brother-in-law of 60 years; also her grandchildren, Alexa, Jennifer, Ryan and Alex. She is also survived by a treasured niece, Julie McHugh, and her family; also nephews, nieces, and many people in the large Koch family.

Memorial services will be held on July 20 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Carole will be laid to rest with her husband at a later date at the Montana Veterans Home Cemetery.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.