Roberta Ann “Bertie” Koch, 90, of De Soto died Nov. 24, 2018, at her home. Mrs. Koch worked at the Brown Shoe Factory in De Soto and the Trimfoot Shoe Factory in Farmington. She was born Oct. 7, 1928, in Richwoods, the daughter of the late George and Eva (Apsline) Fairless. She was preceded in death by two husbands: Andrew “Andy” Koch and Leonard Vargo.
She is survived by her husband: Jerome “J.D.” Koch of De Soto; three daughters: Janet (David) Henry of Effingham, Ill., Judie (the late Dean) Terry of Hillsboro and Joan (Chuck) Pingel of St. Peters; a son: George (Kelly) Koch of Washington, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and three stepchildren: Julie (Harley) Hedley, Jim (Angela) Koch and Lori Koch, along with their families.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Joyce Koch; and a great-grandson: Owen Henry.
A memorial service is scheduled at 3 p.m., followed by a memorial gathering until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Dean Sharp. Private burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, 13675 Mt. Olive Road, De Soto, 63020. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.