Marlyce Delayne Kocher

Marlyce Delayne Kocher, 65, of Gillette, WY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 2, 2019, after a year-long battle with Leukemia.   Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 9, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Kevin Nelson officiating. Burial will be held in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele. Visitation is from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, February 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. Marlyce was born August 25, 1953, in Steele, North Dakota, the daughter of George and Lennis (Attledtweet) Thompson. Marlyce spent her childhood years in Steele, North Dakota, California and Bismarck, North Dakota.  She graduated from Bismarck High School and attended North Dakota State University. Marlyce was married to William (Bill) Kocher August 27th, 1976.  After marriage, Marlyce and Bill moved to Gillette, WY. Marlyce loved her job as a “cleaning lady” and enjoyed her time working at the hospital.  In 1995, Marlyce completed her degree in education from Black Hills State University and began her career in teaching. Marlyce taught at Rozet Elementary, Sunflower Elementary, Stocktrail Elementary and Prairie Wind Elementary.  She loved teaching, inspiring students and encouraging them to be their best in all they set out to do. She was devoted to her students and her job of 27 years, as it was her true gift to share with others. Marlyce is survived by her husband William; her children, Tamara (Steven) Howe, Johnathan (Joni) Kocher and Brian (Kiley) Kocher; grandchildren, Clayton, Isak, William, Carson, Kaysen, Eli and new baby boy Howe due in May; brothers, Robert (Betty) Thompson, Noral (Deb) Thompson and Dwight Thompson; five nieces and nephews, 12 great-nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and extended family.   Marlyce was preceded in death by her daughter, Kelly Jo; and her parents, Lennis and George Thompson.