Christine Ann Cochran

Christine A. Cochran 8/7/1932 - 4/10/2021 Christine A. Cochran passed away in Allegan, MI on April 10th, 2021 at the age of 88. She was born at home in Valley Twp. on August 8th of 1932, the daughter of Elmer R. and Harriet (Koopman) Johnson. Chris attended MillGrove country school, and graduated from Allegan High School. She then attended Comptometer School in Grand Rapids, MI. Chris made many friends while working at the local phone company, Post Cereal, and General Electric. She also cared for patients at Allegan Co. Medical Care Facility at Dumont Lake. For a time, Chris did decorative painting on Sligh Furniture. For many years she served as the Treasurer of Valley Twp. In the 1960s, she and her husband Vern developed TriPonds Camping, installing the first 75 sites there. Upon retirement, Chris and Vern operated Cochran Tree Farm. During the holiday harvest time, family members returned to the farm to pitch in as customers selected Christmas trees. Chris is preceded in death by a brother, Elmer Glenn Johnson, a sister, Eleanore Ruth Johnson, her husband of 67 years, Gerald Lavern “Vern” Cochran, as well as a niece Norma Stone and nephew Donald Tripp. Chris and Vern raised three daughters: Cathy (Rich) Espinoza, Janis (Kirk) Reynolds and Nancy (Mike) Bylsma; Chris enjoyed three grandchildren: Abbey (Hao) Reynolds Gao, Ethan Reynolds, and Ryan Reynolds. She also shared 2 Espinoza step grandchildren, Randy and Doug Espinoza, 4 Espinoza step grandchildren, Megan, Blake, Ethan and Isabel, and 4 Bylsma step grandchildren, Stephanie, Amanda, Jennifer and Michael, as well as 5 great grandchildren. Her nieces Peggy (Craig) Campbell and Penny (Tony Davison) Schuyler survive, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. Chris had many hobbies and interests, including gardening, birdwatching, knitting, and traveling. The family wishes to acknowledge Briarwood Assisted Living in Allegan for several years of quality care Mom received there. Cremation has taken place. The family is planning to gather for a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in Chris’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 or act.alz.org. Or place and tend a bluebird house or hummingbird feeder in her memory.