Esther Lou “Cherry” Koch Mccabria

A celebration of life for Esther Lou “Cherry” Koch McCabria, 91, Eudora, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday January 7, 2023 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Eudora KS. A luncheon will follow in the church basement and the family will receive friends at that time. She died December 31, 2022 at Eudora Medicalodges.

Cherry was born January 11, 1931, in Lawrence KS, the daughter of Gus and Jane J. (Jackson) Koch. She received her BA in Education from Baker University and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse known as Apple Pie in the Clinton area. She taught in various school settings throughout her 30 plus year career, earning a master’s degree and many accolades for her teaching. She finished her career at Lawrence High School as a special education teacher, retiring in 1992.

A cherished sister, mother and wife, Cherry will be remembered by family and friends for her work ethic, love for a party of any kind, and generosity. She was a passionate advocate for the disabled community in the Douglas County area and enjoyed volunteering in a variety of organizations including 4H and in her church.

Cherry married Robert (Bob) McCabria on July 20, 1952, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Eudora, KS who preceded her in death in 2015. She is survived by her daughter Robyn McCabria Kelso and son-in-law Mike Kelso; sons Rory and Russ McCabria, daughter in law Cheryl McCabria, five grandchildren, Matthew and Mason Kelso and Cheyenne, Seonna and Sierra McCabria. She was preceded in death by her siblings Karl Koch and Jeanette “Honey” Koch List and parents Gus and Jane Koch.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her name to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation for scholarship purposes and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street Lawrence, KS 66044.