Gerda Hubrich

Gerda Hille Hubrich  – “Oma”

Gerda Hille Hubrich, our Mami and Oma, returned home to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Gerda passed away peacefully in her home at the amazing age of 100. In March we had the party of the century to celebrate Oma's 100th birthday and the day was filled with family and friends who came to honor her.

Gerda was born on March 8,1918 in Glienick, Germany. At the age of 13 she was the first of her family to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Through her example, she introduced many of her family members to the gospel. Gerda married her sweetheart, Fritz Hubrich, in 1935 and together they had the joy of raising four sons and one daughter. In 1952 Fritz and Gerda made the courageous decision to escape from East Germany. They left all that they had behind for the opportunity to live in the land of the free. Their family (four children and Gerda’s mother Marie) lived in a refugee camp in West Germany for two years before immigrating by ship to America and settling in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Gerda loved her family more than anything and they always came first. She was an amazing cook and made many delicious German meals. She enjoyed crocheting, bowling, joining her husband for fishing and mushroom hunting trips, and vacationing with her family. She especially loved her trips to "the desert!” Gerda taught herself to play the organ and often entertained us with her medleys. Oma had a special connection with children. She would amuse them with her songs, stories, silly voices or by playing the harmonica. Her funny personality always made us laugh!

Gerda's children had the blessing of caring for her for the past seven years. In recent years, that care was supplemented by her grandchildren and in-home hospice visits through the incredible employees of Signature at Home. We are so thankful for the tender care they have given to our sweet mother. We are especially grateful to Alicia Keller and her selfless service and special connection to Gerda.

Gerda leaves behind a legacy of four children, Ralph (Karren) Hubrich, Wynn (Bette) Hubrich, Gina (Kent) Ballard, and Ron (Laura) Hubrich, 19 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Gerda was welcomed into heaven by her husband Fritz, her son Dee, and her granddaughter Trisha. "Wir lieben Dich Oma, auf Wiedersehen.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 28 at 12:00 p.m. in Salt Lake City at the Rose Park Stake Center (East Chapel), 760 North 1200 West. A viewing will be held at the same address on Thursday evening, September 27 from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West. Details and online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com.