Gloria Smith Koch

HAINES CITY - Gloria Anne Smith Koch, 90, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. She was born in January 30, 1926, in Lake Butler, Florida, to Robert and Imogene Smith. She was predeceased by her parents, her step-mother Willie, her sisters Rosamay Everidge and Jeanne Booth, and her beloved husband of 60 years, Arthur William Koch. She is survived by her five children: Glenn (Sheila) Koch, Mary (Stan) Koch Polson, James (LeighAnn) Koch, William Koch, and Robert (Connie) Koch, along with twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Gloria was raised in Haines City, graduated Florida State College for Women/Florida State University, then moved to New York City where she met the love of her life, Arthur William Koch, on Thanksgiving Day, 1949. They were married at First Methodist Church in Haines City on September 14, 1952, returning to New York City for two years before permanently moving back to Haines City in 1954. Gloria was a media specialist at Eastside Elementary School, returning to college herself to earn a Masters degree at the University of South Florida, after the birth of her youngest child. Gloria lived a life filled with faith, family, friends, love, and music. A talented pianist, she'd often be found playing and singing tunes for her grandchildren and the multitude of others who lovingly thought of her as another mother. Having a deep love of reading, Gloria shared that love with younger generations and belonged to book clubs. Gloria enjoyed family vacations in Vero Beach and the Florida Keys, as well as visiting family and attending her grandchildren's activities. She was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church in Haines City, which later became New Horizon Church. Her love, compassion, kindness, and sweet spirit are greatly missed by her many family and friends, until we are joined again. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m., at New Horizon Church, 201 Oak Ave, Haines City, FL 33844. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to New Horizon Church, P O Box 455, Haines City, FL 33845. Arrangements under the direction of Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City; floral donations via Publix Haines City, (863) 419-0331.