Elaine Frances Koch

Elaine Frances Koch, age 80 of Monroe, lost her battle with cancer, and passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 in her home, with her family at her bedside. Born November 12, 1937 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Elaine was the daughter of Vendel and Frances (Collett) Rokisky. A 1955 graduate of St. Patrick's High School in Wyandotte, she then married the love of her life, Harvey Koch, on April 14, 1956. Sadly he preceded her in death October 26, 1986. Elaine continued her education at Monroe County Community College and then Pacific Western University, receiving her BA in Marketing. She began a very long and accomplished banking career in 1956 at Wyandotte Savings Bank then with Peoples Bank of Trenton and joining Monroe Bank and Trust in 1968 as a teller. In 1972 she was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager and then as Branch Manager working in several branches. In 1982 Elaine was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Business Development Officer; 1987 promoted to 2nd Vice President and started MB&T's first Marketing Department; 1995 promoted to Vice President, Marketing Officer and held that position until her retirement in 2002, which concluded her 46 years in the banking profession. Karen Vuich from Danny's of Monroe, MI, a past business associate as well as friend commented that she had a great deal of respect for Elaine, and noted that Elaine was a pioneer for women in the banking industry as well as business in general. She commented that throughout Elaine's career she cleared a path for women to advance in their careers, breaking through longstanding barriers and glass ceilings that had been in place. In addition to a very accomplished career, Elaine also was very supportive and active within her community. In 1984 she was instrumental in developing the Monroe Bank and Trust ENLIST program. Probably Monroe County's most successful volunteer program, encouraging MB& T employees to support and volunteer throughout our community. ENLIST volunteers now linked in service together have lodged more than 217,000 hours since its inception, averaging 8000 hours per year. In 1983 she was the first recipient of the Community Leadership Award from the United Way and that same year became the President of the National Association of Bank Women. In 1987 Elaine was presented with the first Athena Award from the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on women nationwide for significant contributions to both their career but also their community. Her community service and affiliations also include: United Way of Monroe County Board Member for 8 years; Monroe County Chamber of Commerce 8 year Board Member and Chairman of the Holiday Parade Planning Committee as was as numerous other committees; General Chairman for Monroe County Michigan week 1984 and 1985; Board Member for 8 years with Monroe Senior Citizens Center and Trustee for 6 years with Monroe County Community College; member of the Bank Marketing Association/American Bankers Association; a charter member of Soroptimist International of Monroe County; Board Member of Monroe County Family YMCA, Meadow Montessori and the Salvation Army; fundraising volunteer for Mercy-Memorial Hospice of Monroe; was a Frenchtown Township Compensation Board member; advisor for Junior Achievement and volunteered with Boy Scouts of America. Elaine had a love for quilting and was active in the Monroe County Quilt Guild serving various roles. She enjoyed playing dominoes with her close friends, as well as taking occasional trips to the casino with another of her close friends. She loved her community immensely and was very active in her church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, attending mass weekly, serving as Eucharistic Minister, cleaning the church linens weekly, attending bible study, volunteering for numerous church functions, and volunteering at funerals to help those who had lost loved ones. Having breakfast after mass with her friends was another of her favorite things to do. Her main love though, was the love she had for her family. Prior to her passing, she planned a week long family trip to South Haven, MI in August where she was able to enjoy a final gathering with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her children: Cheryl (Jeff) Kuehnlein of St. Louis, Michigan and Eric Koch of Monroe; four grandchildren: Jenna Sherman, Megan (Lance) Hundt, Jared (Brooke) Kuehnlein and Jayce Kuehnlein; four great grandchildren: Reese Sherman, Roslyn Sherman, Harvie Hundt and Everlee Kuehnlein; as well as three sister: Charlotte (Morris) Prater of Southgate, Becky Fontes of Decatur, Alabama and Collette (Thom) Henry of Monroe, as well as her beloved dogs Molly and Izzy, who never left her side. Memorial contributions in honor of Elaine may be made to St. John The Baptist Church or the Cancer Connection of Monroe.