Norma L. (Irvin) Koch

Norma Louise Irvin was born on June 2, 1925, in Aurora, CO, to Ernest Jennings Irvin and Margaret Maye Irvin.  She was the 2nd of 5 children.  The family relocated to Lyons, KS, during her childhood where her father worked for the salt mines and her mother ran a private dining room in their home.

Norma married Marion Vernon “Jim” Koch on February 6, 1947, and they resided in Ellinwood, KS, before moving to Great Bend, KS, in 1956.  Norma spent a good amount of time raising children and involved in farming ventures.  She worked as a secretary for Jim at Farm Bureau Insurance from 1956-1975.  They had 6 daughters – Margie Louise, Marcia Lorene, Miriam Elaine and Melanie Sue.  A set of twins (Carolyn Ann and Marilyn Ann) were born prematurely and passed away shortly after birth.  Marion went to heaven in January 1980.  Following his death, she worked as a secretary for Fuller Brush Industries and as a realtor for Keller Real Estate in Great Bend. 

Norma relocated to Denver, CO in 1985 where she worked at the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains until she retired in 1995.  She relocated to Colorado Springs in 1997.

Norma served as the church pianist and sang in the choir, enjoyed dancing with her husband and traveling, , dressing up for Halloween, gardening, putting jigsaw puzzles together, working on word search puzzles, playing Bingo and donating her winnings to needy children at home and abroad.  She was involved with Bible Study Fellowship, held state positions for American Baptist Women’s Ministries, served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught numerous Sunday School classes, was a Campfire leader and classroom mother.  As Norma’s mobility became more limited in her final decades of life, she found prayer to be her main ministry.  She spent extended time each day praying for the needs of her family, friends and church family. 

Norma is survived by her daughter, Margie Harris, grandchildren, Matt and Malinda Harris, great grandchildren Mikka Harris and Mashante Solutan; daughter and husband Marcia and Tom Baldwin, grandchildren, Jeremy and Christopher Baldwin, and great grandson, Christian Baldwin; daughter and husband Miriam and Kurt Gowdy, granddaughter Lauren Grashoff and husband Sam, and grandson Aaron Gowdy;  daughter and husband Melanie and Doug Amerine, grandson Doug Amerine, great grandchildren Cameron, Abigail, and Brayden Amerine; granddaughter Marla Booth and husband Austin, great  grandchildren Avery and Norah Booth;  her sisters Vera, Erma, and Eileen and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Norma lived her life with this Scripture in her heart each day:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Memorial gifts may be given in Norma’s honor to:  Highland Park Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 2315 N Circle Dr, Colo Spgs, CO 80909 or VisionTrust International, 3710 Sinton Rd, Ste 100, Colo Spgs, CO 80907.