Virginia Lee (Bell) Cochran, 88, of Montgomery City, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Virginia was born on May 5, 1936, in St. Louis, the daughter of Agnes (Mahoney) Bell. She was wed to James Robert Cochran, Sr., on March 21, 1953 in St. Louis. They were married for 68 loving years before James’ passing on December 13, 2021.
She enjoyed playing cards, games and going to shows. Virginia was a devoted Catholic and attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City. She loved waterfalls and had the opportunity to visit many throughout her life. Virginia cherished her children; she was very protective of them. She was a truly great mother. She loved everyone that she met and they loved her just the same. There wasn’t anybody that she wouldn’t talk to and she had never met a stranger. She was a gentle and forgiving woman that never held a grudge. There were many people, other than her own children, who called her mom. She had a big heart with a lot of love to give and many honored recipients.
Virginia is survived by her children: Robert (Elizabeth) Cochran of Montgomery City, Virginia Kay Cochran of Montgomery City, Richard Cochran of St. Louis, Michael (Lilly) Cochran of Montgomery City, James Cochran, Jr. of Montgomery City, Mary (Stephen) Hertel of Warrenton, Anita (Joseph) Jones of St. Louis, Shaun (Heather) Cochran of Hawk Point and Michelle (Josh) Cochran of Mexico (Audrain County). Also surviving are 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Cochran, Sr.; her mother, Agnes Bell; two sisters, Agnes Bell and Loretta Chepely; brother, Arthur Bell; a niece, Donna Bell; and a grandson, James Robert Cochran, III.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on July 11 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City, with Father Ernest Dike officiating. Pallbearers include Adam Cochran, Richard Cochran, Jr., Michael Cochran, Jr., Stephen Hertel, Jr., Christopher Hertel, Zachary Cochran, Joshua Cochran, Brennen Cochran and Cameron Cochran.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on July 10 at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Church in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
