Ruby Eillen Koch, age 80 of Scottsbluff, NE, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center surrounded by her family. Cremation has taken place in accordance with her wishes. Her memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff. Pastor Andrew Griess will officiate. A special gathering of family and friends will be held at Hotel 21, the Ballroom, in Gering on Sunday, November 12, 3-5pm. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Ruby’s honor be made in care of her family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Ruby’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Ruby was born on July 1, 1943, to Jacob and Bernice Martin in Bayard, NE. After high school, she moved to California to live with her aunt and uncle. It was during her time in California that she met John “Sonny” Koch, who turned out to be the love of her life, they tied the knot on June 10, 1962, in Scottsbluff and were happily married for 61 years. Together they welcomed three daughters, Debra, Tammy and Kathy Jo.
Over the years, Ruby worked as an executive secretary at Midwest Bean, Kelly Bean and Baker, Sweeney and Associates, and operated a few crafts stores, while raising their children. In 1988, John and Ruby decided to move and make Arizona their new home. While living there, Ruby worked as an activity director at Sun Village, an active senior community living center. In 2021, they moved back to Scottsbluff to be closer to family.
Ruby was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, friend, and loved her cousins by the dozens. She enjoyed sharing her many talents of quilting, painting, crafting, and cooking with others, especially her children and grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters Debra (Clay) Rahmig of Gering, NE, Tammy (Dan) Henkel of Scottsbluff, NE, and Kathy Jo Brozek of Surprise, AZ; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; siblings, Betty (Jack) Baker, Carol (Dennis) Amburgy, Cathy Thaxter, and Gary Martin all of Idaho; sisters-in law Norma Blehm and Fran Strachan of Gering, NE, Sharon Koch of Scottsbluff, NE, and Karen (Ron Vonlembke) Bergey of Colorado; brother-in law Jim (Ronda) Koch of Gering, NE, along with many other extended family members and friends.
Ruby is preceded in death by her husband John “Sonny” Koch; her parents Jacob and Bernice Martin; father and mother-in law John and Leona Koch; sister-in-law Janet Brotzman; brothers-in-law Bob Koch, LaVerne Blehm, Bruce Strachan, George Brotzman and John Thaxter.