December 14, 1941 – September 10, 2024
Obituary
December 14, 1941 – September 10, 2024
Elfriede Smith was born on December 14, 1941. She was born in war-torn Germany as the youngest of five children to Samuel Ratz and Natalie Klann. Elfriede’s mother died tragically when she was a toddler, and her father struggled to provide for his family while seeking refuge in the latter part of World War II. The family was forced to flee their home and with the help of the local church eventually settled in Perleberg. It was here that Elfriede was raised, primarily by her older sisters, as her father worked to support his family.
In her late teens, Elfriede followed two of her sisters to the United States. It was in Chicago that Elfriede met and married Ray Allen Smith of Garrison, Texas. Shortly after marrying, Ray and Elfriede returned to his home state of Texas. It was here that they would start a family and live the rest of their lives. Ray and Elfriede celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before his passing in 2013.
Elfriede was a passionate homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. Elfriede supported Ray during his career and moved several times throughout Texas. Originally landing in Arlington, the family relocated to Corpus Christi and eventually Austin before Ray retired. Returning to Corpus Christi to enjoy the benefits of retirement, Elfriede’s passions included gardening, reading, long walks and as always, caring for family.
Elfriede is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray, sisters Olga, Natalie, and Hanna and her brother Theodor.
She is survived by her daughter Susanne Smith, son Robert (Lori) Smith and grandchildren Farleigh Smith and Logan Smith. She will be missed, auf Wiedersehen Oma.