Claremore - Pauline Kubala

A Mass of Christian Burial to remember and celebrate the life of Pauline Kubala was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore, with Father David Carvajal officiating. A Rosary Service was held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Pauline passed away in Claremore on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.

Born in Hinton, OK on February 27, 1935, to Knox and Della F. (Dieball) Shipman. Pauline was raised and educated in Anadarko, OK and graduated from Anadarko Public Schools. It was during her high school years, that Pauline was a Drum Majorette and according to her family if you put a baton in her hand, she could still twirl it even in her late 80's. On May 29, 1955, in Anadarko, Pauline married the love of her life Norman "Bubble" Kubala. Their marriage was gifted with eight children and lasted for over 57 years until his passing in 2013.

A lady that was a true example of a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Pauline devoted her entire life to caring for her husband and children. When the family moved to Oologah on 80 acres, Pauline and Bubble became the epitome of the TV show, Green Acres. It was truly a city girl who turned farm girl. A devout Catholic most of her life, Pauline liked to tell her family that prior to that she was a passionate Baptist. Her days were filled with hard work. They lived in a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with 8 children and no washer and dryer. Pauline had to load the family station wagon with dirty laundry once a week and head to the laundromat. She did give herself a once-a-week treat and had her hair done every Saturday.

Pauline was gifted with so many talents. She was an excellent cook and was known for her bread, cinnamon rolls, kolaches and her fried chicken. She was a good seamstress and made a lot of her daughters' clothes and Easter dresses. The tradition of making Easter dresses even continued when she had granddaughters; a treasured memory they will always have. Pauline enjoyed sewing Christmas Tree skirts and for those that have one, it is a gift that is now priceless. She could crochet with the best of them and made many of her family and friends an afghan blanket.

When free time did present itself for Pauline you could rest assured that whatever she did it was with a diet Coke in her hand. She was an avid reader of mysteries. When grandchildren came along, Pauline once again excelled at being a "Grandma". She had a unique relationship with each one of them and created lasting memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. In fact, it was said that when everyone was together it could be characterized by this statement (Full house, full bellies, filled with love and laughter).

Pauline is survived by her children, Steve Kubala and wife Hope, LeeAnn Stone and husband Mike, Karen Rogers and husband Forrest, Mike Kubala and wife Debbie, Jeanne Heidlage and husband Bob, Beverly Fincher and husband Rhon, Tom Kubala and wife Suzanne, 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Michelle Kubala, sister-in-law, Jean Shipman, and brother-in-law, Jerry Headley.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 57 years Bubble, son, James Kubala, brother, Robert Shipman, sisters, Imogene Headley, Anna Lee Law and husband Leroy "Peewee", and Ruby Lee Mingus and husband Frank.

In lieu of flowers or other condolences, please consider making a donation in Pauline's name to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1304 N. Dorothy Ave., Claremore, OK 74017.

Please view and sign Paulines online tribute at www.delozierfuneralservice.com