She was born September 13, 1922 to W.H. & Rosie Steinocher Kubenka in Lavaca County. She grew up in Breslau, Texas, and graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1940. She went on to further her education and graduated from a Dallas business school in 1942.

On April 24, 1945 she married Otto Lee Zappe at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville, Texas.

In 1972, Ethlyne started Hallettsville Abstract & Title Company, where she worked for almost 30 years and remained President until her death. During her lifetime, she was an active member of the Hallettsville community. She was very proud to serve several terms as Chamber of Commerce Director. She was also actively involved in both Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School, having served on numerous committees and holding various offices.

Ethlyne is survived by her daughter Glenda Zappe Trlicek and husband Daniel "Pete" of Hallettsville; a grandson Jeff Trlicek and wife Tara of Hallettsville; a granddaughter Kimberly Trlicek Hoke and husband John of Friendswood; 5 great-grandchildren Rhett, Rylee & Brandt Trlicek and Dylan & Kyna Hoke; sisters Viola Strauss & Lorraine Rehm, both of Hallettsville; sister-in-law Mary Dean Kubenka of Rosenberg; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Ethlyne was preceded in death by her husband on December 25, 1968; her parents; and brother W.L. Kubenka of Rosenberg.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: 3 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Carl Strauss, Donald Strauss, Grady Kubenka, Jeff Trlicek, John Hoke, Dylan Hoke, and Rhett Trlicek. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church & Sacred Heart Catholic School.