Obituary: Loretta M. (Stearns) Koubek, 86, formerly of Friendship

Loretta M. (Stearns) Koubek:  Loving Mother, grandmother 

Loretta M. (Stearns) Koubek, 86, of 6630 Foxmoor Dr., Zephyrhills, Florida, and formerly of Friendship, New York, passed away at home Monday, February 4, 2019.

Loretta was born May 14, 1932, in Friendship, the daughter of Glenn H. and Margaret “Peggy” (Brundage) Stearns.  In 1949, she married William C. “Bill” Koubek, who predeceased her in 1983.  Following the death of her husband she later became the fiancée and longtime companion of Harold “Lefty” Miller, who predeceased her in 2010.  She was also predeceased by her only sibling, a brother, James G. Stearns Sr., as well as her step father Oliver F. Watson, daughter in law, Annette (Higby) Koubek, and one nephew, James G. Stearns, Jr.

She first volunteered at the local newspaper, The Friendship Volunteer, before becoming a full time employee at Armbruster’s Red and White in Friendship.  In 1969, she joined the staff at the Friendship branch of the First Trust Union Bank.  She continued working at the bank until she retired in 1988.  

After retiring she and Lefty became “snowbirds” traveling each year between their homes in Friendship and Zephyrhills.  During the winter months Loretta volunteered at the Florida Hospital in Dade City and in 2007 received the top volunteer award. 

She was a past member of the Friendship Firemen’s Auxiliary, a past member on the board of Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship and an active member of the Zephyrhills Red Hats.  She also enjoyed playing cards, bunco, bingo, and reading.

She is survived by a daughter, Gail (Gary) O’Rourke, Orlando, Florida, a son John Koubek, Olean, two granddaughters Pamela and Michelle, two great granddaughters Bailey and Aliana, a sister-in-law, Aletha “Lea” Stearns, a step sister Pauline Walker, one nephew and several nieces and cousins.

There will be no visitation.  Private graveside services will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship, New York, at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Pkwy, Land O’Lakes Florida, 34639.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.