My mother, Marie Elizabeth Ochs, was the greatest mother ever. She raised me by herself since I was 11. She instilled in me Christian values, responsibility, love of animals, respect, and manners. I must admit, however, I wasn’t an angel.

She bought me my first car (used) and helped me to buy my first new car in college. She took care of all of my educational pursuits - undergraduate, graduate, and 2 times in Europe.

As she became older, I took over all household responsibilities - cleaning, laundry, taking her to her appointments, and cooking. She was able to handle her finances.

I was at her side, when she passed away in the hospital just weeks shy of her 86th birthday.

I visited her grave 9 months later. I told her that it wasn’t easy to meet eligible women my age. I asked her, jokingly, could she do something about it? In less than 2 weeks I met my future wife.

Richard Ochs

Walnutport