A special angel took Florence “Toots” Kovacich to heaven peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2015 in Butte, MT surrounded by her loving family. Florence was born February 4, 1927 in Butte, MT to Lazar & Milka Vucurovich. She attended the Grant School and then Butte High School where she was a spirited majorette. While working at the Murray Hospital as an elevator attendant at the early age of 16, Florence began to lose her eye sight. Losing her eyesight made her a resilient person. She saw everything with more life and color. Florence was such an independent person, always walking slowly with her head held high. At a high school mixer at the KC Hall she met the love of her life, John Kovacich. They were married July 21, 1951 and raised three beautiful children. Florence was a member of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Circle of Serbian Sisters & Mothers Club, and a devoted supporter of the Butte High Bulldogs. Florence attended all of her son John’s football games and her granddaughter Krystal’s basketball games bringing her transistor radio to listen to the play by play. Florence was an excellent cook; the best pasty and pie maker, a loyal sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, & friend. Florence always looked forward to hearing from her grandkids’ so she could hear how their day went. At any time you could ask Florence how she was doing and she would say “I’m good, how are you”. Florence was fortunate to enjoy a family reunion last July in Butte, MT that was focused around her life. She was the last surviving member of ten of the first generation Vucurovich family. The legacy of 101 S. Oklahoma will live strong through her family.
Florence is now reunited with her husband John Kovacich, her brothers and sister-in-laws Georgie (Peggy) Vucurovich, Pete (Gloria) Vucurovich, and Matt Vucurovich, Obrad Vucurovich; her sisters and brother-in-laws Vasie (Novie) Mirich, Dora (Mike) Jankovich, Angie (Mike) Samardich, Stella (Leonard) Kelly, and Melava Vucurovich; along with her niece Eileen Roberts and her nephew Petey Vucurovich.
Florence is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Cheryl (Ted) Ackerman, daughter Marijane Zevkovich, her son and daughter-in-law John (Johnna) Kovacich and their dog Sport; her grandchildren Derek Ackerman, Krystal (Erik) Carlson, Katrina (Chris) Stout, Tavja Zevkovich, Sheena (Steven) Jager, Jayna Zevkovich; and her great grandchildren Johnnie & Wyatt Stout, Bentley Jager, and Haddie Carlson. Florence is also survived by her nieces and nephews Mark Vucurovich, Kerrie Siragusa, Lenny Kelly, Jill Hatch, Matt Vucurovich, Sam Jankovich, Sonny Mirich, Margie Downey, and Bob Samardich. Florence is survived by many other nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Visitation will commence Friday, August 7th at 4:00pm at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church with a prayer service at 7:00pm. Divine Liturgy will commence Saturday, August 8th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church or choice of donor.
