Juanice LaVerne (Heather) Kochis passed on February 6, 2023, at the age of 91. She was a native of Grass Valley, born at the W. C. Jones Memorial Hospital on January 13, 1932.
She was the daughter of Richard M. Heather and Gertrude M. (Gregor), and was raised to love the culture of Cornwall, the Cornish miners, and her family.
She spent her first four grades at the Grant School on Winchester St. The family then relocated to South San Francisco in 1941, and returned to Grass Valley in 1946. She graduated from Grass Valley High in 1949. She then graduated from Mt. St. Mary’s Business School in Grass Valley. Juanice married her classmate Robert F. (Bob) Kochis on May 20, 1952, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Grass Valley. She relocated to Laguna Beach and Ridgecrest, while her husband was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Upon his discharge, they returned to Grass Valley in 1953. Juanice worked at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, the Nevada County Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, and the Nevada County Recorder’s Office, from which she retired.
She was fond of local history, a good book, and working in her yard. In her younger years, she enjoyed water skiing. Upon retirement, she and Bob took an extended trip to Europe.
She was predeceased by her parents Dick and Gertrude Heather, sister Leona Lee Casci, and cousin Roberta Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Bob; her sons, Mike (Bernice) of Grass Valley, Tim (Kristy) of St. James, Missouri, Pete of Lincoln; daughter Jill (Troy) Vahidi of Grass Valley; seven grandchildren, Tony, Marc, Scott, Austin, Kelly, Katie, and Cody, and two great-grandsons, Maverick and Cal. In addition, she leaves her sister Bonnie Marin, also of Grass Valley, cousin John Gregor of Rough and Ready, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At her request, there will be no services. Internment will be at New Elm Ridge Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brunswick Village for their kindness and care during this time of transition
