Wilma Kocher

Wilma Kocher, 92, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away peacefully Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Courthouse Manor.  She was born July 18, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of the late Milton Austin and Grace Campbell Austin. She was a graduate of Galia County High School.

Wilma moved to Wilmington in 1950 and over the course of her career worked at Randall Co, Brandenburg’s, Fred Kibby’s, Jim Cook’s, and Guesweiler’s.  She was the office manager at all four car dealerships and won many awards for her excellence in bookkeeping. She took great pride in her work.

In 1995 Wilma was one of the first women to be inducted into the Elks Lodge #797.  She later served as the treasurer of the Elks Lodge for many years.  She was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing cards.  She was a member of the Wilmington Church of Christ.  Wilma loved her family and family gatherings.

She is survived by her daughter, Virginia (Chris) McCargish; sons, Bill (Tammy) Kocher and Jim Kocher; grandchildren, Shelli (Damien) McGhee, Tori Kocher, Chris (Shauna) Shidaker, and Austin Kocher; great-grandchildren, Devin (Moiya) Shidaker. Kurt (Kaitlynn) Keyser, Brooke Shidaker, and Madison Shidaker; great-great-grandchildren, Everleigh Shidaker, Ainsley Shidaker, and Orla Shidaker; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Willard Austin; granddaughter, Elizabeth Kocher; great-grandson, Justin Shidaker; and her former husband, Joe Kocher.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Monday, November 20, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  A funeral service with Chaplain Jeff Davis officiating will begin at 6:00 PM, Monday, November 20, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wilma’s memory may be made to Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Ave., Washington Court House, OH 43160.

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