Mabel T. Kubes
Aug. 12, 1920 – Jan. 27, 2016
Mabel Theresa Kubes, 95, formerly of Crete, passed away Jan. 27, 2016, at Ridgewood Care Center in Seward, where she had resided since 2012. Born on a farm southeast of Crete on Aug. 12, 1920, Mabel was a long-time resident of Saline County. She attended Rural School District 88. She grew up actively involved in many outside farm chores and helping her mother in the kitchen, especially feeding the threshing crews. During the 1940s, when so many men were serving their country, she worked at the Crete Mills loading 50-pound grain sacks onto boxcars. She also worked in the kitchen at Doane College and at a laundry facility in Lincoln.
On March 25, 1960, she joyously welcomed her daughter, Georgette Kay. Mabel enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, puzzles and polka music. Many of her homemade Czech delicacies (like houska and kolache) and crocheted angels, crosses and doilies were generously shared as gifts to her friends. The beautiful work of her hands was gratefully appreciated. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed sewing matching mother/daughter dresses.
During the 1960s, Mabel attended confirmation classes, becoming a member of Crete Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she helped with Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. In her later years, she enjoyed the quilting activities and cooking for the potluck gatherings.
Mabel was a resident of Crete Centennial Terrace for 14 years. Serious health issues forced her to move to Crete Tabitha for several years and then to Ridgewood in Seward, where Georgette could assist in tending to her needs. Mabel loved dogs, cats and birds, especially cardinals. She cared for her cockatiel, Smokey, until he had to make his home with Georgette, and then she would listen to him sing over the telephone. Her favorite foods were chicken drumsticks and wings, pot roast, angel food cake, pretzels, cheese sticks and vanilla ice cream. Breakfast was always peanut butter toast and bacon.
At Ridgewood, she attended most activities, especially Bingo and the Clefs Polka Band concerts. She always requested her favorite song, the “Beer Barrel Polka.” She was determined that her afternoon naps were not to interfere with the planned activities. When Mabel had to give up handwork because of her arthritis, she took up word puzzle books. Mabel was known for her good sense of humor and quick wit. When people would ask, “How are you feeling?” She would answer, “With my fingers!” Mabel’s strong faith in her Lord Jesus Christ and beautiful smile were evident to all who knew her.
Mabel is survived by her daughter, Georgette Kay Kubes Smelich of Seward.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Margaret Kubes; brother, Charles and his wife, Mildred Kubes; aunts Annie and Lena and uncle, Adam Kistinger.
A funeral service was held Feb. 1, 2016, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, with interment at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the family.
