Obituary of Kelly Deitz Cochran

Kelly Yvonne Deitz Cochran, 42, of Sylva cherished and devoted mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend passed away unexpectedly on December 13. Kelly completed her military service in the US Air Force and served as a squadron leader. She then completed her degree in nursing and had a selfless passion for helping others and the children of Guatemala. Kelly assisted many babies to enter this world as a labor and delivery nurse for many years. Most recently she worked as a PRN health care provider at the WCU infirmary. Kelly is survived by her children, Jack (16), Natalie (13) and Josh (10); husband, Scott Cochran; her parents, Boyce and Sandra Deitz; sister and brother-in-law, Valerie and John Tissue and their children (Polly, Jasper and Penny); and paternal grandmother, Katie Burrell, along with numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. We hope you will remember Kelly as a kind, loving, compassionate, caring, selfless woman with a brilliant smile that belied a fragile, struggling soul. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, December 17, at 11:00 am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mayan Families at fundraise.mayanfamilies.org in Kelly's memory. Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva is assisting the family with arrangements.