Lottie Rose Kochevar, 99, died Wednesday, Jan. 12 at her Oakdale home with her family by her side.

She was born in Murray, Utah to George and Charlotte Harker Watts. She grew up in Salt Lake City and also in Kemmerer, Wyoming, her favorite place, where her family owned an expansive cattle and sheep ranch. In her teen years, her family moved to Grass Valley, Nevada where they continued to ranch.

In 1931, she married Louis Frank Kochevar, who had been her friend since she was age 11. After several years in Nevada, and while expecting her second child, she and her husband moved with their firstborn child to Oakdale.

Mrs. Kochevar lived in Oakdale 76 years. She loved the ranching life, especially riding horses, which she continued doing into her 80s. She was greatly loved by her family and influenced them with her homemaking skills, love of the country life, her whistling, humor, strong will, and her character.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her daughter, Ginger, provided extraordinary care for her for many years, and more recently with help from other family members and caregivers, so that Mrs. Kochevar could stay in her home on her Oakdale ranch. The family appreciates this special care as she became less able to care for herself.

She is survived by her children, Ginger Combs, David (Joann) Kochevar, all of Oakdale; brother, George C. Watts, Jr. of Redwood City; grandchildren, Valerie Cooper, Kelly Musick, Kari Anderson, Douglas Herriage, Carl Combs, Melodie Leichner, Mindy Kochevar, Sabrina Vierra; 21 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis Frank Kochevar; daughter, Rosemary Herriage; son, James Louis Kochevar; her sisters; and her parents.

A funeral was held Jan. 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oakdale. Burial followed at Lakewood Memorial Park.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 19, 2011