Viola Lola Kochenash

Viola Lola Kochenash, surrounded by family, passed quietly at home on December 14, 2015

On December 5, 1921 in Longmont, Colorado, she was the third child, and only girl, born to John and Lydia Magnuson. Her father fell ill and passed when she was eight and, when her mother remarried, the family moved to Amarillo, Texas. After graduating from high school, she found employment at the Base Exchange, where she met Charles Kochenash, fell in love and married.

She was among the first group of wives sent to Okinawa, Japan, to join their husbands after WWII was over. There she lived in a quonset hut and learned a bit of the language from the people on the island. After Charles’ tour of duty was finished there, they were transferred to Albuquerque, NM where their first child, Deborah, was born and then another transfer to Annapolis, MD, where their second child, Michael, was born. When Charles’ tour was finished stateside, it was off to France for three years, then back to Kansas City, MO and then to Amarillo, TX. She and the kids stayed in Amarillo while Charles worked in Baffin Island for 18 months, after which, he and the family were transferred to South Ruislip Air Force Base in England for three years. While there, she made many friends and toured the south of France and Italy.

After 25 years in the Air Force, the family retired in Phoenix, AZ. She found employment at Woolco and continued in retail until Charles became ill with cancer and passed in 1978. She continued to work, moving to Texas to be with her mom, moving back to Arizona and, shortly thereafter, bringing her mother to live with her. She took care of her mom until her passing.

In 2006, after a devastating fall, she came to live with her daughter in Glendale, AZ, where she remained until God called her home.

Mom often shared her “life on the farm” memories, some good and some not, but always added that…’she wouldn’t trade her childhood for the world.’ She passed on her passion for sewing, crocheting, gardening and cooking to some in her family, her wit to others and her quirky sense of humor to others.

She was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church & School in Glendale, AZ.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Scott, Son Michael Kochenash, nine grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on December 19, 2015 at 10AM at Resthaven Cemetery after which, a gathering of family and friends will be held at 11AM at 6014 West Paradise Lane, Glendale, AZ 85306.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to Grace Lutheran Church, ‘1052 Church Remodeling Fund’, Grace Ev. Lutheran Church and School, 5600 W. Palmaire Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301 or Hospice of the Valley, 9235 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345