Bette Koch

(From Parker Mortuary)

Elizabeth A. "Bette" Koch, age 91 of Joplin, went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Freeman Hospital following an extended illness.

Bette was born on January 1, 1926 in Joplin to the late John W. Fretwell and Minta G. Elliot Fretwell. Living in Joplin all her life, she graduated from Joplin Senior High in 1943. She was a Secretary with Southwestern Bell for over 43 years. Bette was active with the Telephone Pioneers, Joplin Historical Society, which she and Raymond received the Rex Plumbum Award, and a 60 plus year member of First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. Bette was also very active in the Joplin Museum Complex.

On January 17, 1947, Bette married Raymond G. Koch in Joplin, he preceded her in death on October 22, 2008.

Surviving Bette include nephews, Norman Fretwell and wife, Beverly of Parkville, Missouri, John Fretwell of Loma Linda, Ronald Koch and wife, Stephanie of Olathe, Kansas; nieces, Rayma Fretwell of Joplin, Diane Dousette and husband, Mike of Clarksville, Tennessee, Shirley Hann and husband, Larry of Mission, Kansas and Debbie Cushing and husband, John of Peculiar, Missouri.

Graveside services are planned for Thursday, March 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The Reverend, Dr. Dave Burgess, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either, First Presbyterian Church of Joplin or the Joplin Humane Society, both in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.