Sharon K. (O'Neill) Koch, age 79, died peacefully at home on the morning of February 19, surrounded by her loving children.  She was on hospice care after a fall that broke her leg and suffering a stroke.  Sharon was born in Butte, Montana, on November 22, 1945, to Jerry and Alma O'Neill.  She joined her three older brothers, Ray, Jerry, and Jim. She was proudly raised in Butte and graduated as a Butte High Bulldog in 1963.  She always worked hard, played hard, and loved her family deeply.  Her first job was as a paper carrier, and for many years she was a school bus driver in Butte and Missoula.  She married the love of her life, David Koch, on September 27, 1980.  Together, they owned a small engine repair shop in Missoula until they sold it.  They moved to their home in Lolo where she worked as a Para Educator at Lolo Grade School until she retired.  She loved and lived life to the fullest in her Irish ways.  She loved a party, especially her traditional St. Patrick's Day party when Lucky usually made an appearance to dance.  She was a huge Grizzly fan and enjoyed cheering on the football and basketball teams, especially her favorite - the Lady Griz.  She was a sassy, tough Butte Irish girl. She never forgot her roots and was never afraid to tell anyone about them.  She was looking forward to being a "Flower Grandma" in Logan and Lindsey's wedding in July. Her family takes great comfort knowing she is up in heaven with the love of her life.

She is survived by her children, Malinda (Mindy) & Eric Stensrud; Jeff & Lori Talbott; Neil Koch, and Robert Koch; Grandchildren, Rachel (Stensrud) & Peter Ignaszewski, Logan Stensrud & fiancé Lindsey Stockamp, Nickolas Talbott, Ryan Talbott, Danni Johnston, Krista Johnston, Conner Richardson, Cole Koch, and Olivia Hanson; her brother, Jerry O'Neill, many nephews and nieces, and special longtime friends who would go along with her shenanigans or bring her along on theirs.  She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Mollie.

She was preceded in death by her husband David Koch, her parents Jerry & Alma O'Neill, brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray & Wilma O'Neill and Jim & Peggy O'Neill, and a special sister-in-law, Mary O'Neill.

Brothers Mortuary is handling arrangements.  A celebration of life will be held Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zootown Church, 3623 Brooks Street, Missoula.  A luncheon will follow.  Please wear green in honor of her Butte Irish roots.

The family wishes to send our heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and her doctors at Providence St. Patrick Hospital for their kindness, professionalism, and grace they provided Sharon these past few weeks, as well as to Partners in Home Care Hospice for their assistance in bringing Sharon home for her final journey.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her honor.  If you like, raise a toast to her with one of her favorite beverages:  a Pina Colada or a Dirty Girl (made with Headframe Orphan Girl of course).