Loretta Jean LaBuz

Loretta Jean (Fincher) LaBuz of Tulsa passed away on September 24, 2019, at the age of 83. Loretta was born on July 19, 1936, in Drumright, OK, to Lawrence and Beatrice Fincher. She graduated from Drumright High School in 1954 as "Highest Ranking Girl." Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Chester "Bud" LaBuz, of 52 years; her parents; brother Don Fincher; and friend Stanley Rowley. Loretta is survived by her two children: Larry LaBuz and wife Beth of Temple, TX, and Laurie Swarer and husband Larry of Tulsa; three grandchildren: Misty Davis, Tiffany French, and Eric Wieburg; and brother David Fincher and wife Janice of Brentwood, MO. Loretta attended Draughon's Business College in downtown Tulsa. It was there that she organized a square dance to which one of her classmates invited his roommate, Bud, who had moved from upstate New York to Tulsa to work at American Airlines. They were married within a year. Loretta was a life-long square dancer. She and her husband Bud were active in several square dance clubs, serving on committees and as club officers, and on the newsletter mailing committee for the Northeast Oklahoma Square Dance Association (NEOSDA). Loretta and Bud were Publicity Chairs of NEOSDA for many years. They coordinated and staffed a square dance booth at the Tulsa State Fair for several years�a real labor of love. They took the Publicity Committee to square dance in many nursing homes in the Tulsa area�not really for publicity, but for love of the community and the desire to spread happiness. Loretta was passionate about serving in her corner of the world. She volunteered at Maxwell Park as treasurer and at Central Center in Centennial Park where Rushing Stars Square Dance Club dances. She was active in Democratic Party politics as a precinct chair and in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Despite battling serious health problems her entire life, Loretta managed to stay busy and optimistic. She loved traveling, especially to Puerto Rico. Her many interests and hobbies included bowling on the "American Airlines Wives" bowling league, singing in the church choir, and sponsoring the Methodist Youth Fellowship group at Catoosa United Methodist (now Disciples). She was even in a play at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tulsa�"Cricket County City Christmas"�at age 77. Loretta loved cats, Elvis, and sports of all kinds. Her favorite athletes were Tiger Woods, Kevin Durant, and Steve Largent. A celebration of Loretta's life will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Serenity Funerals, 4170 East Admiral Place, Tulsa, OK, with a reception following.

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Loretta Jean LaBuz

July 19, 1936 - September 24, 2019