Obituary: Urbat, Liesbeth
Age 91
URBAT,
Liesbeth
(Age 90)
A woman of great strength and courage, was called to heaven on June 18, 2012.
Born in East Prussia, Germany on June 24, 1921, she was raised on a small farm with her father, mother, and brother, Erwin.
As a young woman, she found herself amidst WWII.
With only days left before a Russian attack on their tiny farming community, families were advised to flee.
Liesbeth heeded the advice and fled, only to return to the village later where she learned that her family who had stayed behind had not survived the attack.
Alone with her heart broken but with a strong spirit, she gained the support of other survivors of the war and enjoyed listening to music and dancing.
One night at a community dance, she met a man named Paul Urbat who she married in 1950.
With their first child, Norm, she and Paul immigrated to the United States in 1952 to start promising new life together.
After working as farm hands for a couple of years, Liesbeth and Paul settled in Chewelah, WA until when in 1962, they had saved enough money to purchase a 160-acre farm in Clayton, Washington.
It was here that Liesbeth toiled side-by-side with Paul and their four children, turning a run-down farm to a thriving business.
Appreciative of nature and God’s creations, she felt that she had finally found her place in life on the farm that she so loved.
Seemingly born with a green thumb, Liesbeth was well known for her beautiful gardens and orchards and enjoyed selling her delicious raspberries and strawberries at local auctions and Farmer’s Markets.
Her energetic personality and infectious smile was loved by all who knew her.
Appreciative of a good waltz or polka, Liesbeth enjoyed dancing and dining with Paul at the German-American Society in Spokane.
Musically gifted, she enjoyed singing, playing duets on the organ with Paul, and playing the accordion.
Married for 60 years, Liesbeth and Paul were blessed with three sons and a daughter, all residing in Washington.
Norm and wife Val reside in Diamond Lake; Dietmar and wife Terri reside in Colbert; Dennis and wife Lisa reside in Deer Park; and Monica and husband Dennis reside in Bellingham.
Liesbeth has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren living throughout the United States.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Happy Homes Church in Deer Park, WA on June 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. A catered luncheon will be served after the service.