Ilene “Sunshine” Leona Koch

Ilene Leona ‘Sunshine’ Koch, age 49 of Wapakoneta, passed at 7:28 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2023 at Lima Memorial Hospital, Lima. She was born October 26, 1973 in Connecticut to the late Joseph and Nancy Rushlow.  On September 10, 2022 she married her soulmate Craig A. Koch, who survives in Wapakoneta.

Ilene had worked as an LPN at Auglaize Acres and had loved being a nurse.  She enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and family and being out in nature.  ‘Sunshine’ was a very fitting nickname for her; loving to socialize and be around people. People were drawn to her energy and enthusiasm.  Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family.

Also surviving are 2 sons- Russell Thomas of TN; Bradley (Kendra M. Long) Graham of TN; 6 grandchildren; a brother – Michael (Barb) Chandler of TN; a sister – Lisa (Richard) Arndt of TN; father and mother-in-law – Bill and Rita Koch of Wapakoneta; siter-in-law – Chris (Lee Scott) Lambert of Wapakoneta; special God parents – Joyce “Taunte” (Dave Hiday, deceased) Bill Hart and their children – Ricky & Tammy Hiday; Leighann & Bill June; Kathy & James Hall; Tammy Fuller; Tina Nash; Michael Hiday; Shelley & Rick Tipton and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ilene Leona will begin 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Putnam County Hospice.

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