ARLENE R. KOVACH (nee Rupp), peacefully joined her heavenly family on March 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving husband of 63 years, Ludwig, and her five children, James (wife Joan), Karen Sue Daugherty (husband Stephen), Pamela Krebs (partner Blaine McKelvey), Laura Ann Cronin (husband Sean) and Mary Michelle Lau (husband Peter). She was the proud grandmother to 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Mollie and Joe Rupp, and dear sister to Nadine Martinich (husband John) and her deceased brothers Jimmy Rupp, Lowell Rupp (wife Beverly) and Bill Rupp. She was a cherished aunt and great-aunt to many.
Arlene Kovach, born on November 12, 1937, devout wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away at the age of 85. Arlene grew up in Cleveland Heights graduating from Cleveland Heights High School (Class of ’56). She met and married her one true love, Luddy Kovach, in 1959. While she held a few jobs in her life, her primary vocation and dedication was given to raising their five children. You could often find Arlene watching Cleveland sports or golf, sitting in the sun in the backyard reading her novels, playing bridge, gathering for Club with dear friends, pulling the slots in Las Vegas, or making people laugh with her stories. But her most treasured moments were spending time with her family – especially during the holidays.
She was a devout Catholic and member at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Arlene was a breast cancer survivor and a supporter of so many women to help them through their journey. Every person she knew she touched in a special way. Every person seems to have a funny memory, a special memory, no matter how long ago – she touched so many hearts. She loved jitterbugging, she loved yelling out Bingo numbers, she loved her little red car, but most of all she loved her family with every ounce of her heart. She is our prayer warrior. Our matriarch. Our Guardian (nee Tribe) Angel. LYMTF Mama!
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, March 31, 2023, at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at 11 AM. Following the inurnment in Knollwood Cemetery, all are invited to a reception to celebrate the life of Arlene. The celebration will be held at Geraci’s Restaurant in Pepper Pike, 29425 Chagrin Blvd from 2-5pm. Family will also receive friends to pay tribute prior to the Mass at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) FRIDAY MORNING 9 – 10:30 AM.
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Ron "coach" Kusmier
Lid, our deepest and sincere regrets for your loss, and the loss to your family. Arlene was good company on Hamburger nights. These golden years aren’t that great I’m afraid, but God, in his wisdom, has given us all the time that we need. Godbless, Coach and Margie✝️
lud kovach
Thanks for your kind words Ron, life before COVID was so much more enjoyable. Stay healthy, Lud
Tonny & Erik Pokorny
We wish you a lot of strength to go through life without your dear wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. We are glad we got to know her when we were in America. She was a radiant and bubbly personality and from Mary and Pete’s stories over the years we got a good picture of a loving and caring woman. She is now with our dear lord and you will carry on with the beautiful, wonderful memories of her. These will not be taken from you by anyone. May she rest in peace.
Carol Allen
Dear Pamela so sorry to hear about your Mom may God be with you and your family at this time of sadness.
Alice Howe
Dear Cousin Lud & Family
Cousin Arlene was a gem. She was always so kind to ALL if us whenever we saw her – in Ohio or Arizona. She always made us laugh and she will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Cousin Arlene.
The Petek Family – Allen, Sandi, Audrey (Bob), Arlene & Family, Alice (Jim) & Family, and Arnie & Family
Toni and Roberta Schmidt
Our thoughts are with the whole Kovach and Rupp families. Arlene was such a beacon for her family and we pray you have some peace in this difficult time. We certainly have fond memories of her.
Jackie Kelly Mohar
Laura, Sean, the girls and the your entire family, My heart breaks for all of you as I hear of the passing of your beautiful mother/grandmother. My deports sympathy, so sorry for your loss. You’ll all be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs & Love ❤️
Denise & John Verduzco
Sending you all prayers, love and hugs as you celebrate your amazing Mom and all that she meant to each of you. She surrounds you all today and every day just as she always has. RIP