She was the devoted and cherished wife of Michael “Mickey” Robert Bocka Jr. and the proud, loving mother of her two greatest blessings, Cobey Michael and Melany Taylor.
Tammy was born on February 6, 1968, to parents Melinda (Meeker) Steele and Robert McKenzie. From the very beginning, she brought an extraordinarily bright light, laughter, and an undeniable spark to every life she touched.
In the course of her 57 years, Tammy showed her friends and family boundless love and energy in everything that she did. To know her was to feel seen, loved, and encouraged. She had a gift for making everyone — friends, family, or strangers — walk away feeling better than when they arrived.
She will always be remembered and treasured for her contagious smile and personality and her striking blue eyes. She woke up every day with the energy to empower those around her and cared deeply for those she loved. She was the glue that brought many together and her love for all occasions, though especially the holidays, was pure and joyful. Her decorations were unmatched, and her desserts famous among family and friends. She claimed she could resist almost anything — except a good piece of cake.
Her faith was steadfast and central to her life. As a devoted member of Compassion Church in Ashland, where her brother Travis McKenzie is the pastor, Tammy lived out her belief in loving others fully and serving with a joyful heart.
Tammy is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Mickey; her two adoring children, Cobey (Avaerie) Bocka and Melany Bocka, all of Galion; her parents, Melinda (Robert) Steele of Perrysville, and Robert (Connie) McKenzie of Bellville; her mother-in-law, Karen Bocka of Galion; her brothers, Chad McKenzie of Perrysville, Travis (Missy) McKenzie of Ashland, and Jason (Aimee) McKenzie of Lexington; several step brothers and step sisters; her sister-in-law, Anita (Jerry) Beal of Mount Vernon; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will continue to carry her love forward. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her father-in-law, whom she dearly loved, Michael Robert Bocka Sr.
Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made is immeasurable. Her love will continue to live on in the laughter she inspired, the faith she modeled, the beautiful legacy she left behind in her children and the countless hearts she touched.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 10:00 am with her brother, Pastor Travis McKenzie officiating. She will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Crestline. Contributions in memory of Tammy and her unfailing faith may be made to Compassion Church of Ashland Building Fund, 522 Ashland Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805.
