Eunice Thomas Koch

Eunice Thomas Koch, 101, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at the Givens Estates Health Center. A native of Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late William Louis and Eunice Calista Munzinger Thomas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Albert Koch, and her sister Catherine Emily Thomas. She is survived by her son, Robert Alan Koch of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, his wife Lynn, and their daughter Caroline; and granddaughters Christiana Lea Kittrell of Sterling, Virginia, Michele Anne Jackson of Ellicott City, Maryland, Lisa Anne Swoboda of Towson, Maryland, and great-grandchildren Elizabeth Kittrell, William and Benjamin Jackson, and Ian and Phoebe Swoboda. Eunice worked for the Veterans Administration as an office administrator, where she soon met her husband-to-be, Marvin. They settled in their new home together in Washington where their son, Robert joined the family. They moved to Asheville, which had been a frequent vacation destination, in 1974. Eunice would live there for her remaining 50 years, first in the Beaver Lake area of north Asheville, and then at Givens Estates. From childhood, Eunice was very close with her sister Catherine. The two would enjoy frequent trips to a farm, playing games with their Uncle Pete, and finding laughter and fun in simple pleasures. Her love of nature, wildlife, and pets began at an early age and would remain for the rest of her life. She always delighted in seeing the new bluebirds hatch and learn to fly from her birdhouse, which seemed to produce the most chicks of anyone in the neighborhood. She loved to cook and was well known for her baked spaghetti and coleslaw recipes, but she also became more adventurous in baking and making crepes, cream puffs, and chocolates. Her creativity also showed artistically in ceramics and later in prolifically making art pieces from found materials from nature and estate sales. She was still an active artist at age 101. Always a curious learner, Eunice immersed herself in genealogy research to learn about her family history and created an impressive family tree before the internet. She shared this interest with Marvin, and they partnered in their research. Eunice and Marvin shared their love for 51 years until his passing in 2012. In every way, Eunice was a caring and generous soul who was quick with a smile, loved to laugh, and found clever ways to encourage others to smile back. Her life lessons are immeasurable and will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville. On Friday, January 10, 2025, the family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at Morris Funeral Home (304 Merrimon Avenue). A Celebration of Life with Rev. Brenda Lewis officiating will be held at 12:00 Noon in the Givens Estates Chapel (2360 Sweeten Creek Road—Asbury Commons), followed by light refreshments. A cemetery ceremony for the family will follow in Lewis Memorial Park (415 Beaverdam Road). Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilycaregroup.com

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Eunice Thomas Koch

November 18, 1923 - December 31, 2024