Florence R. Hobby

Florence Rae Hobby, 60, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, surrounded by people who love her at the Ernestine M. Raclin House, Mishawaka. Florence fought up to her last breath. 

Florence was born on May 16, 1964, in East Chicago, IN, to Keith Podell and Nancy Perkins. 

Surviving Florence are her 2 dearly loved daughters, Montana (Jake Milzarek) Hobby of La Porte and Emma Hobby of South Bend; and her grandson, Maverick Milzarek.

She was preceded in death by her parents. 

Florence loved to be busy. She had a passion for volunteering and loved getting involved in different community events. She shined as a leader and couldn't help but take charge of any situation... even when she swore, she "wasn't taking charge this time". She volunteered with Special Olympics and lead the Equestrian Team and Pickle Ball team in La Porte County. Florence was most known for throwing an amazing camp out in Marshall (and surrounding) Counties and leading the Night to Shine prom in La Porte County. She took pride in her work as a case manager and was notably the person to go to that could make things happen. She worked hard and advocated even harder for the people that she cared about. She worked tirelessly to open FUTURES Case Management. She was a mentor for many and left lasting impacts on everyone she worked with- she was someone you wanted on your team. She had recently taken up a change in career paths and was really enjoying learning the real estate world. She loved working for MTM Realty Group and was so grateful for the opportunities she received from being part of the MTM team. 

Florence wasn't close with her family but was surrounded by the most incredible groups of friends that were all considered family by her. She was willing to help anyone in any way that she could, and almost everyone that was close to Florence can tell a time when she offered her love, time, resources, or shoulder to cry on with no questions asked and for nothing in return. Florence held Craig and Sabrina Sims close to her heart and would consider them her family. Her go-to life advisor is Kelly Zigler and the relationship that the two of them had was deep and so important to Florence. She loved spending time with her daughters and the three of them had a very close relationship. She was newly upgraded to Grammy status and was absolutely in love with her grandson, Maverick. She was the best Grammy and loved every minute she got to spend with her grandbaby. 

Florence loved to travel. She was fearless and would go where she wanted, when she wanted, and often alone and would just figure it out as she went. She made life-long friends doing this. She loved hot weather, sunshine, beaches, pools, fruit bowls, and cold cocktails. She also loved mountains, nature, trees, fresh air, horseback riding, camping, the smell of campfire, and an ice-cold beer. She absolutely loved her MTR8 group, Debbie, Stacie, Kellie, Kathy, Marianne, Amy, and Kristy, who preceded her in death, who would go horse-camping every fall. She looked forward to this time and the friends that she made along the way literally held her hands until the end of her time. She and Kristy Harlow will be a force together. 

The trip she looked forward to the most was her annual trip with her youngest daughter, Emma. Each year, they would go away each year just the two of them, more recently getting into long, cross-country vacations. Their trip out west was one of her favorite that Florence would talk about. She had a goal to hit every national park in the US. She was so much fun to adventure with. 

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at First Church of God with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Friend and family may visit on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions out to First Church of God, Night to Shine, or The Rosie Place. She held both events/organizations close to her heart.  

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.