Jean Ann Lewis

Jean Ann Lewis Koch, 77, died at home on October 23^rd, 2021 after heroic forbearance against lengthy illness. She was born in Beloit, Wisconsin on June 17, 1944, the daughter of Roland and Edna Lewis.Jeanie was an educator and guidance counselor. She taught professionally in California, Illinois, and Iowa.  After moving to Lubbock, Texas she volunteered for 15 years at Shalom Readers-Asbury United Methodist Church, teaching at-risk kids the wonder of books and the value of each other.Jeanie loved to laugh, travel, read, play tennis, and win word games. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, and all things Red Raider Nation. She was ever and always a teacher. At home with her children and grandchildren, she taught them to be gentle and decent, with self-respect and generosity of spirit toward others. In her classrooms and guidance office, she taught her students they were competent, capable, and worthy of love. She grounded her home with Jerry in a true partnership, making every day a chance to be stronger together, and to give some good to our world.She is survived by her husband, Jerome R. (Jerry) Koch; brother, David (Mary) Lewis; sister, Sherri (Len) Faralli; sons, Andrew (Heidi) and Jason (Rachael) Van Heuklon; and daughter, Lindi (Joel) Butler. Her seven grandchildren are Logan, Ava, Aidan, Katie, and Cloe Van Heuklon, and Lily and Josh Butler.  Nieces, nephews, and countless treasured friends also survive her.Her parents preceded her in death.A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 19, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas, with the Rev. Dr. Todd Salzwedel officiating.  The event will be live-streamed through the church’s Facebook page.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Lakeridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82^nd St, Lubbock, TX.