Sandra Sue Koch

Sandra Sue Koch, 85, Emporia, Kansas, passed away in Overland Park on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Sandra Sue Clements was born June 14, 1940 in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Frederick Reuben and Leona Berner Clements. Sandra married her soulmate and true love, James A. “Jim” Koch on June 7, 1959 at the Grace United Methodist Church, Emporia, Kansas. Over their 63 years together, Jim and Sandra did everything together, especially traveling. Sadly, Jim passed away on July 14, 2022.

Surviving are their six children and their families; Daughter; Kristi (Marc) Campbell of Fayetteville, AR and their children, Austin, Davis (Emily) and Caroline, Son; Dr. J. Michael (Brenda) Koch, Pleasant Hill, MO, and their children, Hunter and Zachary, Daughter; Jamie Koch Gottlob of Tulsa, OK and her children, Chase and Emily, Daughter; Melissa (Andy) Merriam, Overland Park, KS, and their children, Luke, Sam and Kate, Son; Jason (Taverli) Koch, Emporia, KS and their children, Taylen and Parker, Daughter; Dr. Betsy Koch, Harrisonville, MO, and her sister; Janell (Tim) Clements North, Emporia, KS. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

She was a graduate of Emporia High School (1958) and the Newman Hospital School of Nursing (1961). She was a Registered Nurse for 29 years as House Supervisor and in the Emergency Room at Newman Memorial County Hospital. After retiring from nursing, she bought a building in downtown Emporia. Her true passion came when she started a store, Second Love Gifts leading to opening additional stores in Lawrence, Olathe, and Branson, MO. Her second home was in Branson, MO where she loved to be. In her free time, Sandra enjoyed crocheting projects for her friends and family. She had a heart for helping others. If someone needed something, she would take care of it.

Private family services will be held later.

A memorial has been established with Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital with contributions sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801 which is in charge of arrangements.