Joan Koch Williams

Joan Cheryl Williams, 69, of Highlands Ranch, CO passed away on May 2, 2019. The second child of Charles Francis and Donna Mae Koch, born March 5, 1950 in Sabetha, KS. Joan was a friend to all; she never met a stranger. Her friends extended throughout the United States through her various affiliations with national organizations. Joan was extraordinarily devoted to her family. Her passions in life included the Kansas Jayhawks, finding new recipes, supporting her grandchildren’s activities, gardening, enjoying the Colorado open space, playing golf with Meredith and cheering on the Denver Broncos on sunny, Sunday afternoons.

As a young girl, Joan attended Sabetha schools. She grew up helping her family greet guests at the iconic, Koch Motel. Joan attended Washburn University and later met her husband of 46 years, Meredith Christian Williams. They were married in Sabetha, Kansas, on June 10, 1972. Joan and Meredith welcomed daughter, Jennifer Ann (1979) and Jacob Christian (1982). Joan cultivated life-long friendships in Topeka; while maintaining her connections to Sabetha. In Topeka, Joan was a committed volunteer in the community and at Jennifer and Jacob’s schools. Joan and Meredith taught Sunday School at First United Methodist church for kindergarteners all the way up to the high school youth group. Joan had a contagious personality that everyone cherished, and she loved hosting Kansas Jayhawk basketball watch parties - cheering on the Jayhawks to victory.  

In 2000, Joan and Meredith followed their dreams to the mountains of Colorado. Joan quickly became friends with the entire neighborhood and loved hosting events for friends and family alike. They joined St. Andrew United Methodist church. Joan loved playing golf at her home course in Leadville. Most important to Joan, was her commitment and love for her grandchildren. She was an incredibly loved GaGa who always made her 5 grandchildren feel loved and special. Joan loved traveling with Meredith for work and to Atlanta and Kansas City to create new memories with family. Joan was a devoted daughter to her parents, spending weeks alongside her parents, Charles and Donna, supporting their graduation to heaven.

Joan is survived by her husband, Meredith, daughter, Jennifer (Matt Eckert) of Leawood, KS, and son, Jacob (Elizabeth) of Smyrna, GA, and five adored grandchildren, Reid Matthew, Emma Louise, Holden Christian, Carter Christian and Nicholas Alexander. She is also survived by her older brother, John Koch (Charlene) of Parkville, MO.

  John and Charlene Koch wanted to share the following: 

"Joan loved Sabetha and has maintained close friendships there.  Charles and Donna Koch gave Joan and John subscriptions the Sabetha Herald for their birthdays for many, many years and Joan loved calling John to discus articles from the paper.  She kept her subscription even after her parent's deaths so she could keep up with people she knew in Sabetha.  She had a great time last year at her 50th high school reunion and looked forward to coming back again and again."