Carolyn Crawford Koch

June 12, 1936 - March 30, 2019

On March 30th 2019 the world lost a wonderful teacher in Carolyn Crawford Koch. She was born in Twin Falls June 12th 1936 to Oleata and Jacob Crawford. She was the third of six children and grew up on a farm in the Magic Valley. On December 21st 1952 she married Frank E. Koch. They lived in Las Vegas. Nev. until Frank was honorably discharged. They moved to Pocatello, ID where with meager resources and great will she ran a home with three children Kathy, Karen and Doug and got a degree from Idaho State Univ. in only four years. She then began her journey through the intermountain west teaching English and history, demonstrating the life lessons of compassion and self-sufficiency. After teaching at junior and senior high schools in Pocatello, Salt Lake City and Casper, she helped found and taught at the Salt Lake Lutheran High School. Carolyn lived a quiet and authentically Christian life. In one instance, she donated her salary back to the school in exchange for the tuition of a student whose single mother could not afford it. She and Frank fostered several children and even sheltered an abused woman and her young daughter. For 18 years Carolyn and Frank enjoyed spending their summers at their home at Bear Lake, UT. After both of their retirements, they relocated for the final time to St. George, UT where they became very active members of New Promise Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed the quilting and bible study groups. Carolyn was extremely creative her entire life. She painted in oils, sewed, quilted, reupholstered furniture and even sheetrocked rooms, all with her own personal flair. She battled Parkinsons Disease for the last five years with grace and dignity. She lost that battle surrounded by her loving family but left a legacy of courage, compassion and acceptance. She is survived by her husband Frank, siblings Jeanice Curtis, Beverly Hollibaugh, and Jerry Crawford, children Kathy (Lee), Karen, and Doug, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Zion’s Hospice, especially Michele and Mike, for their care and support during Carolyn’s final days. Memorial services to be held Saturday April 20th 11:00 AM New Promise Lutheran Church 244 South Valley View Dr. St. George, UT 84770 While Carolyn loved flowers, she preferred donations be made to the ALS Association 1275 K St. NW Suite 250 Washington DC, 20005 www.lougehrig.com Or The Michael J.Fox Foundation Donation Processing P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 www.michaeljfox.org