Virginia L. Koch

Virginia L. Koch, 86, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025, at Fairfield Medical Center. She was born April 5, 1939, in Rockbridge, Ohio, the daughter of the late Wilmon P. and Oleta P. (Rider) Koch.

A graduate of Ohio University, Virginia earned her master’s degree and went on to a fulfilling 32-year career as a history teacher at Stoutsville, Huber Heights, and Columbus City Schools. She was a devoted member of Lithopolis United Methodist Church, a 50- year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Venus Chapter, and an active member of the Alpha Nu Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, where she served at all levels including past State President and past Regional Director, and dedicated much of her adult life. She was also a member of the Fairfield County Heritage Association and was honored as the 2023 Legendary Individual Philanthropist by the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation. She was a member of the Fairfield County retired Teachers.  Virginia enjoyed reading, knitting, cooking, and was an avid sports fan. She will be remembered for her dedication to education, her generosity, and her strong commitment to community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings and their spouses, Jennie Lee (Harold) Miller, Dale (Trudy) Koch, and Nolene (Jack) Kelley; and a great-great niece. She is survived by her best friend, Alice Penrose; nieces Barbara (Tom) Bindrim, Holly J. (Roger) Miller-Downour, and Megan Kelley; nephews Michael (Jennie) Koch, David (Cindy) Koch, and John Miller; 14 great-nieces and nephews; and 16 great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Pastor Alex Fledman officiating. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p. m. at the funeral home. Caring cremation® has taken place. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Rockbridge, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lithopolis United Methodist Church, 80 N. Market St., Lithopolis, Ohio 43136 or the ADSOEF Ester H. Strickland Fund in memory of Virginia (Ginny).

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.