Obituary of Frances Kocerha

Frances H. Kocerha, 89, of Kiowa, CO passed away December 25, 2007. Frances was born September 02, 1918, in Clearwater, Nebraska to Harvey and Mae Vernon, the eighth of twelve girls. Frances graduated from high school in Elgin, Nebraska. Frances married Clarence Joseph Kocerha September 12, 1942, in Raton, NM and this couple was blessed with six children. She and Clarence were married for 61 years making their home first in the Calhan area and then Elbert where they enjoyed farming and ranching. When they retired, they moved to Montrose where they lived for 17 years before returning to the Eastern Slope. Frances was a true help mate to her husband, taking care of him and their children. She was involved in her communities as a teacher for a number of years and also through various organizations like the Lincoln Club in Elbert, CO. She also worked for the Green Thumb organization and for the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose. Frances loved reading and crossword puzzles, but her greatest love of all was playing the piano, and this she did for many events, such as church, weddings, and dances. Frances loved to write letters and corresponded with many friends and family members. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence and eleven sisters. Frances is survived by her children: Glenna (Kenneth) Eldringhoff of Elbert, CO, Richard (Judy) Kocerha of Elbert, CO, Mary (Charlie) Taylor of Madison, WI, Janet (Ted) Ellis of Crown Point, IN, Brian (Nancy) Kocerha of Elbert, CO and Terry (Sherri) Kocerha of Kiowa, CO. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Services for Frances will be held Saturday, December 29, 2007, 10:00 A.M. at the Living Word Community Church in Calhan, CO with Pastor Rick Cofer officiating. Memorials may be made to Senior Housing Corporation, P.O. Box 3, Kiowa, CO 80117.