Sandra Sue “Sandy” Ochs, 82, Hays, died Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.
She was born December 27, 1940, in Hays, Kansas the daughter of Eldred A. “Pete” and Louise (Turner) Ficken. Sandy lived in Bison until the age of six when her family moved to La Crosse where she attended grade school and graduated from high school. In 1961, she graduated from Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend and worked as a registered nurse in La Crosse, Colby, and Hays. She later worked for USD 489 as a library secretary. On October 28, 1961, she was united in marriage to Richard J. “Dick” Ochs at St. Michael’s Church in La Crosse. They celebrated nearly 57 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 5, 2018. Sandy was a member of the S.O.S. breast cancer survivor group, enjoyed crocheting, and was a wonderful cook. She loved her beloved dogs and fishing, camping, cruises, and traveling with Dick.
Survivors include her son: Jeff Ochs-Kisner and husband Steve of Olathe, daughter: Kenda Fischer and husband Rodger of Ellis, three inherited grandchildren: Janet Schebaum and husband Derick of Concordia, Nicole Bollig and husband Tom of Lawrence, and Brianna Myers and husband Nate of Hays, and five inherited great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick, and her sister: Mary Lou Alberti.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall 2350 E. 8th HWY 40, in Hays for close family and friends. Private family burial will be in Mt. Allen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested and payable to: Cancer Council of Ellis County or to Humane Society of the High Plains. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Sandy may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com