Shorty Kotch

Richard L. "Shorty" Kotch, 82, of Ovid, Colorado, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.

Shorty was born on March 11, 1944, in Julesburg, Colorado, to Frank Kotch and Neva Kotch. He was a lifelong resident of Ovid. He graduated from Ovid High School in 1963, and proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard.

On August 30, 1969, Shorty married the love of his life, Mary Phyllis Mollendor, at his aunt and uncle's home in Julesburg. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family in Ovid, Colorado, sharing nearly 57 wonderful years of marriage. To this union, two children were born, a son, Troy, and a daughter, Tricia.

Shorty was a hardworking man who was never afraid of a long day's work. Over the years, he wore many hats and made countless friends along the way. He gave farming a try, but after six straight years of crops being hailed out, he decided that life had other plans for him. He continued to keep the small family farm that had once belonged to his father and eventually became his, caring for it up until his passing.

He worked at Thrasher Motors doing bodywork, worked as a mechanic, and dedicated nearly 20 years to the Great Western Sugar Factory. Following the closure of the sugar factory, Shorty worked for the co-op and later Ingram Electric before finishing his working years as a heavy equipment operator for the Julesburg Irrigation District, a job he truly loved and held until his retirement.

While Shorty worked hard throughout his life, nothing mattered more to him than his family. He loved deeply and took great pride in those he loved. Whether it was spending time with family, sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply visiting with friends and neighbors, Shorty made people feel welcome wherever he went.

He was known throughout the community for his warm smile, quick wit, and contagious laugh. Those who knew him often said they never saw him without a smile on his face. Even during his extended stay in Denver, his kindness and humor touched the hospital staff, who grew to love him and looked forward to seeing him each day.

Shorty was truly one of a kind - deeply patriotic, hardworking, compassionate, and genuine. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Shorty is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kotch of Ovid; his son, Troy Kotch of Ovid; his daughter, Tricia Lockhart (Tim Segelke) of Ovid; his granddaughters, Haley Lockhart (Dillon) and April Atkins (Jerome); grandsons Spencer Kotch and Dylan Kotch, great-grandchild Grady Warren who was the light of his grandpas life, Shorty is also survived by great-grandchildren, Atlas, Aella, Kyleigh, and Paige; along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Kotch and Neva Kotch, and his stepfather, Ted Kobayashi, and his father-in-law Phillip Mollendor and mother-in-law Mary Mollendor, along with nephews, Brandon Mollendor and Tanner Mollendor.

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Julesburg, Colorado. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Julesburg, Colorado.

A memorial will be established in Shorty's memory. Contributions may be mailed to Mary Kotch at P.O. Box 202, Ovid, CO. Condolences may be shared with the family at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the service will also be livestreamed.

Arrangements are entrusted to Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg.