Ann R. (Kovacic) Wilber

Trumbull Township - Ann Rose (Kovacic) Wilber, age 93, lovingly known as Annie, was born on February 11, 1932, in Cooperstown, New York. She passed from this life on January 13, 2026, just 19 days after her beloved husband, John Wilber, surrounded by the love and legacy she so faithfully built through her family, her faith, and her service to others. Ann and her seven siblings later moved to Hartsgrove, Ohio, where she attended and graduated from Orwell High School in 1950. During her school years, Annie was a spirited cheerleader who delighted in sharing her cheers—something her grandchildren would later cherish. She was also a standout softball player, a love of the game and competitive spirit she proudly passed on to many of her grandchildren.It was on Main Street in Rock Creek, while chatting with friends, that John Wilber swept Annie off her feet. Their love story began there, and on February 11, 1956, she became his beloved wife. Together, married 70 years, John and Ann shared a devoted marriage and raised six children: Sharon (Ted) Miller of Rock Creek; Susan (Bruce) Allen of Jefferson; Kim (the late Steve) Dragon of Geneva; John (Brenda) Wilber of Rock Creek; Danny (Chauntel) Wilber of Rock Creek; and Donny (Sherry) Wilber of Rock Creek. Their family grew to include forty-four grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom was deeply loved. Ann worked for many years at Rock Creek Elementary School and Jefferson Jr. High and Highschool in the cafeteria, where her kind heart and nurturing spirit touched countless children. Serving others came naturally to her and extended far beyond her work. That same compassion defined her love for animals. Annie had a remarkable gift for caring for all creatures and nursed injured raccoons, foxes, deer and even skunks back to health. She found joy in every animal she encountered and deeply cherished all their pets, believing they too were part of God’s creation and worthy of love and care. Annie loved Jesus and lived her faith daily. She attended New Lyme Baptist Church in Rome, Ohio, for many years and was a devoted member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Rome for the last six years of her life. One of her many spiritual gifts was hospitality; no one ever visited her home without being welcomed with a good meal, a tasty treat, coffee, and a heartfelt prayer. Christmas was Annie’s favorite time of year, and her family still marvels at how she managed to prepare a wonderful holiday meal and a special gift for everyone. Grandma Wilber was legendary for her stuffed cabbage, apple pie, nut roll, and chocolate chip recipes—nearly impossible to recreate because she never used measuring tools, cooking instead by instinct and love. Ann Rose (Kovacic) Wilber leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, devotion, compassion, and family that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.

A PUBLIC Visitation will take place at the Paine Funeral Home., Inc. 140 E. Main Street, Orwell, OH 44076 on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Following the visitation a celebration of life for John & Ann will be held at the Morgan Hose Fire Department, 3033 E. Water Street, Rock Creek, OH 44084 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. A private funeral service officiated by Pastor Jared Barker will take place at E. Trumbull Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church or Hospice of the Western Reserve. Services. Condolences at painefuneralhome.com