ROBERTA JEAN "BOBBIE" KOVALA

ROBERTA JEAN “BOBBIE” KOVALA, 85, formerly of Watton, MI. passed away Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Eastwood Nursing Center, Negaunee, following a lengthy illness. She was born Roberta Jean Stonehouse to William and Julia Bernice (Edge) Stonehouse on November 5, 1928 in Marine City, MI. She joined her sisters Florence, and Mildred, and her brother William arrived about 5 years later. Bobbie attended school in Detroit, and graduated from Eastern High School in 1946. She married Elmer Kovala in Detroit in 1950, and they had six children, Nancy, Ken, Karen, Gary, Laura, and Jane. They lived in the Detroit area until 1969, and then moved to the Upper Peninsula. He preceded her in death in 1994. Bobbie worked as an Office Assistant for 5 years at the Sidnaw School. Bobbie was a talented artist. She would paint for hours doing portraits, still life, and wildlife paintings. Her children and grandchildren would sit for her as she painted their portraits. Bobbie shared her passion for art by teaching local classes and her enthusiasm will be remembered by many. She was a beautiful piano player, and loved to sing. Bobbie enjoyed social activities and was an avid cribbage, pinochle player, and loved doing Suduko puzzles. She was active in her community, and helped establish local EMS services in the Watton area in the early 1970’s. Bobbie was an accomplished seamstress, and often sewed clothes for her family. She lived a creative life and loved the saying “Dance like no one is watching and love like you have never been hurt.” We will miss her dearly but celebrate her presence in our lives. Mrs. Kovala is survived by her son Gary Kovala of Powers, MI, daughters Karen (Mike) Dupras of Wilson, MI, Laura Kovala (Bob Neumann) of Escanaba, MI, and Jane (Pierre) LaPlante of Watton, MI, brother Bill (Patricia) Stonehouse of Roseville, MI, 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Julia Bernice Stonehouse, her husband Elmer Kovala, her daughter Nancy Cutler, her son Kendall Kovala, and her sisters Florence, and Mildred. Funeral services for Mrs. Kovala were held at 1 p.m, Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Greg Mileski officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service. Following the funeral service, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral chapel. Spring interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery.

ROBERTA JEAN "BOBBIE" KOVALA

November 5, 1928 - February 20, 2014