Leanore “Lee” Marguerite (Hladek) Tubbs, 98, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, just 4 days before her 99th birthday, at Linn Manor Specialty Care. Friends may greet family at 4 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Elks Lodge #251 located at 801 33rd Avenue S.W. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Burial will be at a later date at Czech National Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lee was born on October 15, 1924, in rural Coggon, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Emma (Kennedy) Hladek. She was a graduate of Buck Creek Consolidated High School and went on to attend Iowa State Teachers College, taught school, worked at Farmers Insurance Company, and later, at Collins Radio, as well as several other successful endeavors. Her last was as a Mercy Print Shop Volunteer that she enjoyed every minute of.
On July 30, 1947, Lee was united in marriage to Charles Edgar Tubbs at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, and renewed vows again in 1977.
Lee was always very active as a proud Cub Scout Den Mother, a longtime treasurer of the Daughters of Isabella, past Treasurer and member of Golden K Kiwanis, Post 788, Western Fraternal Lodge 500, El Kahir Ladies Auxiliary, Elks Auxiliary, Golden Oldies, and Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.
Lee and Charlie were very well known in dance circles as they danced through many years as members of the Merimyx Congenial 100 Dance Club. In addition to dancing, they both socialized with many close friends who shared their love of boating, cookouts, camping, and lots of laughter. Lee was a voracious reader, a devoted card player, loved her daily Gazette crosswords, bingo, and her walks. It’s not surprising that she always welcomed and looked forward to hear or tell a joke or funny story.
When you looked nice you could always count on an honest compliment from Lee. She loved to dress nicely and when you did too, she noticed, and would let you know it.
In 2003, Lee heard of and organized her own Red Hat Society Group and called it “The Red Hat Hauties”, where each of the 10 or so loyal members met faithfully, each and every month, for over a decade, to travel and experience new restaurants, food, and fun.
Lee will be sorely missed, but especially by those who knew and loved her. Her favorite phrase was, “I Love You More”. Lee is survived, remembered, and loved “more” by her daughter, Sherre Tubbs of Cedar Rapids; son, Kevin (Sam) Tubbs of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Breon Tubbs; brother, Ronald (Willette) Hladek of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Maureen Hladek of LaVerne, California; as well as great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles; beloved son, Brian Tubbs; four brothers, Edward, Mark, William, and Joseph Hladek; sister, Darlene Tye; three sisters-in-law, Mavis Hladek, Dorothy Wanda Hladek and Genevieve Hladek; two brothers-in-law, Edwin Tubbs and Joel Tye.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lee’s name may be directed to the donor’s choice.