- Date Of Birth: August 11, 1932
- Date Of Death: April 14, 2018
- State: Idaho
Roma Joan Ochsner was born August 11, 1932 to Edmund and Anna Darnauer Ochsner. She grew up on a wheat farm in Goodland, Kansas, steeped in her rich German heritage. Her family included sisters Jolene, Judy, and Jan. After graduation from Goodland High School she studied at a medical technician school in Minneapolis, earning her degree as a lab tech.
In 1951 she married the love of her life, Ken Troutt. They honeymooned and spent a year in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she worked at a doctor’s office, and Dad at a gas station. They loved the mountains but returned to dry land farming in Kansas where they started their family. Three children were born there, Kathy, Kenny, and Kevin. They loved their Kansas home and families but the mountains called for a different way of life.
Settling in Middleton, Idaho they added another son, Kelly, making the family complete. Dad started his career as an auctioneer, and Mom as a lab tech at the local hospital, but soon found that being a full time mother was her calling. She worked hard, making every house a home and was a DIY expert.
In 1966 the family moved to Emmett, Idaho, purchasing Emmett Livestock Commission Co and a beautiful home on 2nd St. She filled the historic old home with antiques and beautiful memories. In the early 80’s she followed Dad to a farm west of town for a stunning view of the Squaw Butte, leaving her beautiful home in town for yet another DIY house. Dad would leave for a trip and Mom would grab a sledgehammer and knock a wall out. Her life was one of “can do.” She loved to smile and look at the positive, laughing and entertaining with her incredible sense of humor and always looking for an adventure. She kept a spotless home that was welcome to everyone. No one ever left without a meal or at least a cookie, a hug, and an “I love you.”
Her strength was tested as her dear husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but she did not waiver, never leaving his side until his last day. This wonderful matriarch carried on for 24 years without her soul mate. Days were hard, but her positive outlook on life held the family together, and again she started her projects, remodeling the old house into an updated one.
She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her sisters, and her cousins. She was a source of nonstop affection and attention to her kids and grandkids. She loved all animals, especially her dogs and cats, and enjoyed watching the quail and the view of the ducks on the pond.
She passed away peacefully April 14, 2018 in the house she filled with so much love and onto her Heavenly home. What a joy it brings to know that she is with Dad and her loved ones that have gone before her now. 85 years of a life well lived and now rewarded
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband of 43 years and her sister, Judy Ochsner Willems.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy, and sons, Kenny Jr. (Jana), Kevin (Elaine), and Kelly (Susy), and grandchildren Josh Houk (Kathy), Brooke and Kacee Troutt (Kenny Jr.), Sam Troutt (Kevin), and Annie Troutt-Inks, Jake and Elly Troutt (Kelly). And her sisters, Jolene Ellis (Stan) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Jan Berringer (Warren) of Goodland, Kansas.
