Emma E. Kochert Perkins, 95, of West Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.

She was born July 9, 1926, in Veedersburg, IN, to the late G. Ray and Mae (Bucher) Hoagland.

Emma graduated from Wea High School in 1944.  On August 10, 1944, she married Joseph R. Kochert and he preceded her in death on November 8, 1975. She later married Floyd Perkins on May 28, 1977, and he preceded her in death on August 30, 1995.  Emma worked for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association for many years and had also worked at Von Tobel Hardware Store.  She supported her husband Joe for many years in his construction business.

Emma was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Indiana Extension Homemakers Association.  Emma enjoyed bowling, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren.  She especially enjoyed her trip to Ireland at 80 years old and a hot air balloon ride at 90 years old.  Emma had been a Girl Scout Leader and was very active with the Boy Scouts.

Surviving are her children Ralph “Skip” (Phyllis) Kochert of Lafayette, Joseph “Ed” (Joey) Kochert of Maryland Heights, MO, Mary Jo (Rodney) Vandeveer of West Lafayette, Emma Lou (Meredith) Maxwell of Flora, Virginia “Ginny” Wells of Fishers, Steven (Jamie) Kochert of Columbia, MO, 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her stepchildren Gary Perkins, Rebecca Vandeveer, Cheryl (Larry) Winger, sister Mary Lou (Robert) Jackson and sister-in-law Louise Hoagland.

Emma was preceded in death by her siblings Ralph Blue, Charles Hoagland, Betty Bruner, Violet and Grace Hoagland.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until the time of the service at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 4703 North 50 West West Lafayette, Rev. Christopher Danielson officiating.  Entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Emma’s memory.