Raymond H. “Ray” Ochs, 98, passed away on February 22, 2026, at the Twin Oaks Assisted Living facility. He was born Sept. 16,1927 in Blockton, Iowa, to Adam and Mary (Cortner) Ochs. He grew up in Leavenworth, graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1945.
He married Delores Koker in September, 1949. After her passing, he married Eleanor Vornholt in 2001
In his youth, his time was mostly spent helping his father who farmed several acres around town as a truck gardener. He had fond memories of going to the Farmer’s Market in the early 40’s and selling the produce that they raised.
He began working at DeCoursey Dairy in 1944, then Meyer Dairy from 1955 until 1959. At that time, he decided he wanted to work for himself and became a service station operator. He opened Ray’s Sinclair Service, which he operated until 1968. He then moved and operated Ray’s Mobil Service until 1979, and then a final move to become Ray’s DX, until his retirement in 1994. He enjoyed getting to know his customers, and developed some long term friendships.
He was also active with the Leavenworth Downtown Association during the 70’s and 80’s, and with the Buffalo Bill Days committee back then.
After retirement he became interested in gardening again. Starting with a small backyard patch, he went back to the Farmers Market and started selling his own produce. As his garden grew, he was always busy planting, weeding, and harvesting his crops. He always enjoyed getting ready to go to market on Saturdays and meeting his regular customers. He was proud of the fact he was known for his onions, planting 5000 onions every year. He was the oldest vendor there, and he was the only one left who was a vendor from the early 1940’s.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Delores (Koker), second wife Eleanor (Vornholt), son Robert, brother Vernon, and sister-in-law Joanne Ochs. He is survived by his son Donald (Lynda) of Overland Park, KS, stepdaughter Linda (Mark) Sneed, Nixa, MO, stepson Mike Vornholt (Susan), Leavenworth, step grandchildren Kristofer Saegers and Jennifer Vornholt, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parker Carousel Museum or to Catholic Community Hospice, 16201 W. 95th St., Suite220, Lenexa, KS 66219.
Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be held at Mount Muncie Cemetery.
