Kay Irene Hoch 1943-2021
Kay Hoch was born to Martha (Hauenstein) Leonhardt and Raymond Leonhardt in Huntington, Indiana and grew up outside of tiny Bippus, Indiana. Kay always considered herself a farm girl. She went to school in Bippus and graduated from nearby Clear Creek High School.
She married Howard Hoch (1941-2020) and gave birth to Tony Hoch in 1963, and then Barbara Michelle Hoch in 1967, who died in infancy. She was divorced in 1969 and met the challenges of being a single mother in the 70s.
She worked a variety of jobs, often more than one at a time. In 1995 she received an associate’s degree in medical transcription and worked at Fort Wayne Orthopedics, a job she loved, until retiring to Laramie, Wyoming in 2008 to be near her son. She thrived in Laramie, being a very active volunteer at the Eppson Center for Seniors and Feeding Laramie Valley. She also enjoyed singing with the Melodees.
Kay is survived by her son Tony, in Centennial, WY.
Donations in her memory may be made to Laramie Animal Welfare Society at 1102 S. 2nd St., Laramie, WY 82070.
Tony, I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a good friend to my Mom Judy, when they lived across the hall from each other. Your mom was always willing to lend a hand and help out when needed. I appreciated your mom very much. I'm glad our mom's found each other. Kay was truly my Mom's best friend. I'm sure they are together catching up and laughing up a storm.
Tony, I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing, I think you will miss her terribly. She was a great friend, I’m sorry that she had to suffer these last years with her breathing problems it really slowed her down when she was such a go getter. I believe that she has been reunited with her infant daughter Barbara, that she mourned to the end. You were the light of her life. She was so very proud of the man you had become. The world will be a whole lot less interesting, outrageous, thoughtful and caring without her. I loved her dearly.
Thank you Jane
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Tony. I pray that God will give you and your family peace and strength to get thru this now and in the days to come... I played online games for years with your mother. I use to ask her when she would post that heavy snow was going to hit Laramie “why didn’t she move back to Indiana?” Her response was always the same, “ I am here because my son Tony lives here.” I believe that she would have followed you to the ends of this Earth. Your mother will be dearly missed.
Thank you Patrick
Tony, Sorry for your loss. God called a good one home.
Thanks Annette
Tony, you will be in my prayers. Moose dog and I will miss your mom she had the most contagious laugh.
Thank you Carol
Tony, I’m so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I loved your mom from the minute I met her 12 or so years ago. She told it like it was, she was spicy, sassy and had a great sense of humor which are all of the reasons I loved her!! She was an amazing volunteer at the Eppson Center, a creative designer of our first calendar, and was admired by everyone at the Center. We have this same picture on our Volunteer Wall of Fame and we won’t forget her! May she Rest In Peace.
Thank you Tammy