Marilyn "Ann" Koch

On Saturday August 23, 2025, at the age of 88, Marilyn Ann Koch (Ann) went on to spend eternity with the Lord.

Ann was born in Zanesville, Ohio on May 22, 1937. She was the first of three children (Dave & Joan) born to Charles and Mary Burgess.

Ann attended schools in Ohio, California, Indiana and Texas, graduating from Hebron Ohio High School in 1955. She went on to graduate from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and later earned her Masters in Education in Colorado.

Ann married Dale Stanley in 1957 and to this union 4 children were born: Alan, Beth, Mark and Matthew.

In the early 1970s the family moved to Colorado where Ann taught elementary school at the John Neumann Catholic School in Pueblo. Ann and family moved to Canon City in 1979, and she taught 1st grade at Penrose Elementary for over 20 years.

Ann met the love of her life, William A Koch (Bill), at a Bible study in Canon City. Ann and Bill were married in 1982 at the First United Methodist Church in Canon City and were married for 34 years before his death in 2016.

Ann walked her life in the footsteps of the Lord, with her love Bill strengthening her devotion. The Lord's love could always be seen in her eyes and living in her heart. He carried her through many trials that she faced, and she never wavered in her faith. She set an example for all her family to follow.

Ann had a very special place in her heart for all children. Her love of teaching demonstrated that. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy. Grandma Honey (as she was so aptly referred to) spent countless hours reading and playing with them. And of course, her famous cookie jar was bottomless. Even in the later stages of her illness her great-grandchildren, Dax, Scout and Hunter were always able to bring a smile to her face.

Following Bill's death, Ann moved to Yuma, Colorado and spent her last 8 years at the Harmony Home Assisted Living, being loved and cared for by an extraordinary group of people.

A very heartfelt thank you to the staff at Harmony Home, Hospice of the Plains and Yuma District Hospital. The loving care that Ann received will never be forgotten.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Mary Burgess, loving husband Bill Koch and sons, Alan and Mark Stanley.

She is survived by: daughter Beth (Mike) Ferrari, son Matthew (Sarah) Koch, daughter-in-law Thelma (Alan Stanley-Jim) Mueller. Grandchildren, Mary (Travis) Ferrari/Harrison & Jonathan (Annsley) Ferrari, Christina Lambert, Zachary Stanley & Melanie Aragon, Elizabeth, Rebekah & Eli Koch, Grace (Brian) DeCaro, Hope (Matthew) Murphy, Faith (Michael) Dienhart, Charity (Jake) Elsberry, Alan Joseph (Ashley) Mueller. Numerous Great-Grandchildren, Brother Dave (Peg) Burgess and Joan (Dave) Maril, and nephews and nieces; David, John and Amy (Burgess) and Katie and Ginny (Maril).

Ann's memorial service will be at 11:00 am Friday, August 29, 2025, at the E-Free Church of Canon City (3000 E. Main) followed by interment at Lakeside Cemetery (1008 Elm Ave).