"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith;" so was the life of Margie Dunbar (Koch, Hughes) Tinney, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who went home to be with the Lord on December 13. Our beautiful, devoted, active, intelligent, faithful, spunky, fun-loving mother, "Memaw," will be missed dearly, but we rejoice with her as she enjoys the Promise, now reality, of eternal life with Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Margie was a grand lover of life, always on the go and ready to dance, fish, read, cook, attend Istrouma Baptist Church (until she was unable) where she was a member for over 60 years, and visit with family and friends. She was an avid LSU football fan, but even in her waning days, most enjoyed watching, or at least hearing about, the football exploits of grandson Cary playing with the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL. She adored all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would be the first to tell you they could do no wrong! Margie just loved people and was always in the company of good friends. While living at Williamsburg Retirement Home, she was the "model resident," never missing a party, event or activity, playing bridge, celebrating and embracing life to the fullest. Compassionate, humble, and kind, she could light up any room with her beautiful smile. She was a voracious reader, (Gone with the Wind at least 6 times,) an accomplished bridge player, and even in her later years, could beat all of us in scrabble. Margie had a deep faith in God and lived her faith out in her actions and words, always making the best of every situation and never complaining about life's losses and disappointments. Born in Evergreen, Louisiana, Margie was a country girl at heart, and grew up the youngest of four. She was an excellent student, but her zest for life, and probably because of "Fritz," she chose work ( and play ) over the opportunity to attend college even when her older brothers offered to "pay her way!" That's our MEMAW! She graduated from Evergreen High School and Business College and in later years, she was employed by the State of Louisiana until her retirement. During World War II, she met and fell in love with Frederick William "Fritz" Koch, a handsome, young soldier from Pennsylvania stationed at Fort Polk. Following the war, they were married and began a family in Baton Rouge. They were happily married for 25 wonderful years until his much too early death at the age of 51. She and our dad loved to dance, and we can still see them perfectly choreographed in all the latest dance moves and crazes. Margie later married Willie "Bill" Hughes and enjoyed country life again in Livingston, Louisiana until his death. In later years, she married Ellis Tinney, who also passed away. Margie is preceded in death by her mother, Virgie Shuff Dunbar; father, John Thomas Dunbar, Sr.; brothers, John Thomas Dunbar Jr., and Sydney Carroll Dunbar; and sister, Vera Mae Dunbar Larsen. She is survived by two sons, a daughter and their spouses, John Dunbar Koch (Sally), Frederick William Koch, (Deborah) and daughter Margie Ann Koch (Bud). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Evan Koch (Maria), Hannah Amoroso (Sam), Philip Koch, Kristen Crane (Jamie), Jady Koch (Liza), Lindsay Koch, and Cary Koch (Tyler) and six great-grandchildren. Visiting will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Boulevard, on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Visiting will continue at the funeral home, on Wednesday 9:00 until services at 10:00 a.m. conducted by her grandson, The Reverend Jady Koch. Burial will follow at Bayou Rouge Baptist Church in Evergreen, La. The family wishes to extend gratitude for the prayers and support of friends, especially Bonita Reno and her nurse, Nita Vincent. We would like to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Margie's devoted friends, Antoinette Robertson, Patricia Robinson, Doris Scott, Jean Duncan and Jessica Brown for their compassionate care. Pallbearers will be Evan Koch, Philip Koch, Sam Amoroso, Cary Koch, Bill Tinney and Bill Larsen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dunham School or the charity of your choice. Please visit the online guest book at www.rabenhorst.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
I'm going to miss my Aunt Margie. She and Momma (Aunt Sis to all my cousins) loved to fish. I'll never forget the time she and Momma came to Tx. and I hired a guide to take us fishing. The guide baited 8 poles and gave one to each of us and the rest he placed around the boat. There was a strike on one of the poles and he set the hook and handed the pole to Aunt Margie. She said 'what are you giving this to me for" and he said its your fish, reel it in. Aunt Margie said, with indignation in her voice "its not my fish, I didn't catch it". Rest in peace Aunt Margie and I know you and Momma and Uncle Bootsie are catching the big ones up there.
Donnie
December 18, 2013
I never met your beautiful Meemaw, but I can feel her warmth and love through the Koch family. What a beautiful legacy she has left behind! May God's comfort and love surround each of you.
Theresa Toulmon
December 17, 2013
Mrs. Margie was my second mom through high school. I spent every other night at their house. She was a wonderful, loving mother who treated us all as her own sons. God bless you Mrs. Margie and may you enjoy your new life with God and Fritz. Love you forever, Don Scharwath.
December 17, 2013
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more