Ursula Meyer

Ursula Meyer (nee Kirbis), beloved wife of 77 years of Erich E. Meyer.  Devoted mother of Gisela A. (Karl) Holstein and Goody P. (the late Toby M.) Kenney, both of Cincinnati.  Loving grandmother of David (Lisa) Holstein, Diane (Steve) Reimert, Bryon (Tiffany) Helfer, Matthew (Michaela) Helfer, Adam Kenney and her 9 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Paul (the late Else) Kirbis.

Ursula was born in Herne, Germany in 1926. During the beginning of World War II, she was forced to work on a farm during the summer months because the men on the farm were drafted into the war. She met Erich, her future husband and the youngest son of a neighboring farm, when they were both teenagers. They married in 1946 and welcomed their first daughter, Gisela. After the devastation of World War II, Ursula had to stand in line for hours to obtain some milk and groceries for her young family. In 1950, they welcomed their second daughter, Gudrun (Goody).

In 1958, they decided to immigrate to the USA; the land of opportunity because Germany was still recovering from the war. They settled on the west side of Cincinnati. Ursula started working outside the home to help get the family on their feet. At night, they took two bus transfers to Hughes High School so they could master the English language.

They bought their first house in 1961 and designed and built their dream home in 1973. Ursula enjoyed entertaining, cooking, dancing, and multiple hobbies like reading, crocheting and needlepoint; and above all, playing cards. After Erich retired, they traveled extensively with the Kolping Society as well as their friends. They became snowbirds in N. Myrtle Beach well into their 80’s and established another group of card-playing friends. Ursula had a long healthy life well into her 90’s; and above all, she loved her family.

Ursula passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and her family on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Western Hills Retirement Village. She was 97 years old.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, June 5, 11:00AM at St. William Church, 4108 West 8th Street, Price Hill. Visitation in church one hour prior to the Mass with Kolping Society prayers at 10:45AM.  Interment St. Joseph New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263-3597 or to the Cincinnati Kolping Society, 10235 Mill Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45231.
Ralph Meyer & Deters Funeral Home serving the family.

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