Alicia Koch

With tremendous love, understanding, and a beautiful heart that knew no bounds, Alicia Koch lived her life rich in family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Alicia’s family was her greatest joy. Selfless, fun, and positive, Alicia lived each day heart-centered and in service to others. In as much as she gave, Alicia was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many; though she will be sadly missed, her beautiful legacy will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew her.

1963 was a year of many changes. As the Civil Rights movement gathered momentum, the nation continued to invest in its goal of putting a man on the moon. American homes were filled with the sounds of the Beatles and the sense of loyalty inspired by its favorite dog, Lassie. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of Richard and Beverly Snyder as they welcomed their daughter Alicia into their family on April 14th.

Growing up in Indiana during the 60s and 70s, Alicia enjoyed many of the comforts of a Midwest childhood. Hard work, family, and faith proved powerful cornerstones upon which Alicia built the rest of her life. An only girl in a household of boys, Alicia was a rough and tumble tomboy who was known to be both ornery and incredibly funny. She easily preferred the good company of her grandparents, Bernice and Wendall Richardson, and spent as much time with them as possible.

After attending DeKalb High School with the class of 1982, Alicia soon began building the life she’d dreamed of as a wife and mother. Though she’d first met Bill Koch when she was just six years old, at the time there was no hint at their shared destiny. Many years later, as Alicia grew into adulthood, Bill came over to visit her older brother Joe. Bill couldn’t help but notice Alicia, and he made a casual comment to Joe that she was starting to “look nice.” Bill had just made an earnest prayer that week for God to send him someone he could “fall in love with.” Coincidentally Joe and his mother Beverly were playing matchmaker and encouraging Bill and Alicia to go out on a date. The young couple listened to their advice and soon found themselves madly in love. They had each found their soulmate and were inseparable ever after.

Alicia and Bill married, and their family began to grow with the birth of their daughters, Rebecca, Rachel, Renee and Rikki. A natural nurturer, she had a special gift for children and loved nothing more than to snuggle up with her children. Alicia’s passion was her family, and she was quick to put their needs in front of her own--family first, always. In February of 1986, Alicia was forever changed at the loss of her infant daughter Renee.

Alicia took great pride in creating a loving home. She was an amazing cook, and anyone who had the privilege of eating her creations will tell you that everything she made was infused with her love. She loved to garden, can, and explore other forms of food preservation. She enjoyed bargain shopping, especially at garage sales and on eBay. Alicia had a keen eye for a deal but when it came to music boxes, globes, knick-knacks, and special gifts for her family, she spared no expense. She also loved to read and explore her artistic side through interior decorating.

Alicia possessed a positive attitude about life and looking for ways to make things better for others. She enjoyed a good laugh with her favorite TV shows, Roseanne and The Golden Girls, as well as the good romances found in the pages of her favorite author Danielle Steel’s novels. Grey’s Anatomy kept her intrigued while the sounds of both classic rock and country music made her smile. A meal at her favorite restaurants, Logan’s, Asakusa, and Cebollas, was always sure to warm her heart, and her favorite movie, The Notebook, always inspired a satisfied sigh.

For adventure, Alicia liked camping and taking return vacations to where she and Bill honeymooned in Virginia Beach. She enjoyed meandering through the countryside, taking road trips, and dreaming of one day traveling to Alaska with Bill. She enjoyed her family vacations to Disney World and was most proud of the times that she took her grandchildren.

Without a doubt, Alicia’s heart’s delight was her babies and her grandbabies. She just loved babies in general, and would eagerly snuggle any baby she could get her hands on. Alicia showered her children and grandchildren with love and affection. Her belief in their goodness was unwavering, and she wholeheartedly supported each of their endeavors. In Alicia’s heart, they always knew they were enough, they were loved, and they were safe. Even in the face of her own health challenges, and