Sophie Ochs

Sophie (Depperschmidt) Ochs, 96 of Park, Kansas, passed away on May 5th, 2025, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care Facility, Hoxie, Kansas. She was born to Alex and Josephine (Younger) Depperschmidt on July 11, 1928, at the family farm in Sheridan County.

Sophie attended country school grades 1st to 6th in Sheridan County. She experienced living in a sod house for a couple of years and rode a horse with her brother to school. In 7th grade the family moved to Hoxie where she attended public school. Sophie then moved to Park where she attended school from 8th to 12th grade. She graduated from Park High School in 1946.

She worked as a bookkeeper for the Park Elevator and helped her dad with the janitorial duties at the Park Grade School. In her single years, she loved listening to the radio to hear the top ten songs on the Hit Parade, going to movies, and attending Collyer dances.

On May 4, 1949, Sophie was united in marriage to her classmate, Billy G. Ochs, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park. Sophie and Billy were married for 71 years and blessed with six daughters. She was widowed on January 5, 2021.

Sophie was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park and a member of the Park Altar Society. She was a devout Catholic with a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Infant Jesus of Prague, the Divine Jesus of Mercy, and St. Teresa the Little Flower. Sophie prayed the rosary believing in the power of prayer.

Sophie treasured time spent with her family, especially the grandchildren, and the great- grandchildren. She spent many hours with them cooking, baking, reading books, playing cards, and playing board games. She also enjoyed keeping up with family and friends with telephone calls, home visits, reunions, or just meeting others on the street. No one ever left her house hungry or in need of a hug. Her advice and support will be cherished forever. Her favorite day of the week was Sunday because of attending Mass and family visits.

Sophie will be greatly missed by her family, friends and her daughters: Beverly (Darold) Zimmerman, Darlene (Melvern) Zimmerman, Kay Ann (Larry) Schmidt, Jo Ann (Ronald) Zimmerman, Shirley Ochs, and Marilyn (Larry) Heier, 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy G. Ochs; brothers: Victor Depperschmidt, Charles Depperschmidt, Ralph Depperschmidt, and sister, Marietta Billinger.

There will be a visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, KS on Monday, May 12, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sacred Heart Church or masses in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For additional information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.