We have used Christian symbols here however; ESA is a non-denominational organization. We honor all religions of the world.
"Thou Art My Sister: I love you" is a Native American poem.

In Memoriam 2008-2009

The celebration of Life

Thou Art My Sister; I love You

Thou are my sister because we were born of the same
Great Spirit, conceived from the same mound of earth.
We slept quietly together in the cradle of unknowing until
He in His gentleness set us in the midst of humanity.
You are my sister; I love you.

You and I are destined to be companions on the highway of life.
Together or apart you are my sister; I love you.
If the color of my skin is different from yours, it matters not,
only let the beauty of our souls be kindred.

I will honor your wisdom and understanding, as you will mine.
Together we shall seek the seeds of truth in the distant rooms
of the Great Spirit; the reflection of inner knowledge shall wear
as beauty upon our faces.
You are my sister; I love you.

I will be human and fall down in rough places, but thy
hand is near mine. I will reach for it, I shall not be alone.
I will embrace you when the reins of sorrow visit you.
I will befriend your soul as if it were my own.
You are my sister; I love you.

If death takes from the lamp of life and the veil of
eternal sleep falls across my eyes before yours
I will wait for you. I will come to lead you across the
bridge of night into the meadows of the Great Spirit.
You are my sister; I love you.

Connie Marie Hoch
January 1, 1945 - September 26, 2008

Connie Hoch, 2000-2001 State President of the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha passed away September 26, 2008, in Topeka, Kansas. Her President's theme was “ESA – The Gift that Keeps on Giving” and this was exactly the way Connie lived her life. She was a gift that kept on giving. Connie was currently a member of Gamma Omicron Chapter in Manhattan. In recent years she became a professional clown known as "Pickles". Connie's greatest gift was making people laugh and smile. She entertained many with her humor and dynamic spirit.

Through her life and service in ESA, there was never a time when Connie was not willing to engage to make an event fun. One of the most recent examples was her participation in the Tricycle Races at the 2007 State Convention to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We know that Connie’s gift to ESA will keep on giving as she will continue to live in our hearts and memories of joy.

Connie was currently working as an Extension Associate, Community Development and PRIDE Programs, for the Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Connie began her career in Extension in 1991 as Barber County Extension Agent. In 2000, she moved to Lyon County Extension as the Family and Consumer Sciences agent. Connie began her current position as an Extension Associate in Community Development and PRIDE Programs in 2005.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband (Ernie), Ernest, one son, and one brother. Survivors include two sons: Eric and his wife, Corona, Medicine Lodge, KS; and, Brett and his wife, Michelle, Union, MO. In addition, Connie is survived by two sisters, and four grandchildren.

Memorial Services were held Tuesday, September 30, in Medicine Lodge at the Family Life Center at the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, Ks. Graveside services were private for the family.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, October 2, 2008, at the KSU Alumni Center, Manhattan, Kansas. A Lamplighter Memorial Service was conducted by the Lamplighter President, Maureen Wells.

We celebrate the spirit and joy of our friend and sister, Connie Hoch. Connie was always ready to have fun with people around her and she will be missed from our lives.