Christa Bess Obituary (1940 - 2021)

Christa Erika Hedwig Streuling 81, Parawan UT passed away April 29 in Cedar City Utah. She was born January 26, 1940 in Neubrandenburg, Germany to Friedrich Wilhelm Karl Paul Streuling and Hedwig Hertha Wilhelmine Teetz. Neubrandenburg lies sixty miles north of Berlin, but close enough for her to remember the whole sky being ablaze from war torn Germany in 1945. As the tide of war turned Berlin from East and West, the bombing started. Neubrandenburg was not a primary target and was only bombed occasionally. She knew how lucky they were not to have their home hit. The closest bomb hit about 200 yards away. She was only five years old, but still remembered these frightening experiences. The approach of the Russian army was another frightening experience. Her mother had always told them that when the Russians came, they would escape on bicycles. But one day, the government issued an order that all bicycles would be confiscated. She was told that the brave German Army was running out of gasoline, and would pedal their way to victory. Her mother tried to get permission to leave, and was told “No, you’re not!” Her mother did not say a word to them, just woke them up the next morning at 5:00 a.m., and with two bikes (Christa sat behind her mother). They took as many personal belongings as they could carry. They fled the city leaving everything behind. As young as Christa was, she remembered stopping at homes at night, outside the city, asking if they could spend the night. Her mother felt staying in the city would be too dangerous because of the raids. They were always lucky to sleep in a bed. One night there was not enough room and they had to sleep in a barn. Christa and Geunther were so afraid in the barn because of bugs and mice. Soon the lady of the house told them there was a bed for us after all because her son had chosen to sleep at a friend's house. They were so thankful! It took them several days to arrive at the island of Sylt that is located in the North Sea where her father was stationed. Christa became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Geunther had a great desire to go to America. After many attempts of trying to find a sponsor, her mother, brother and her were finally on their way to America. Again, they left everything behind. After a long ship ride they finally settled in Salt Lake City in 1953. She started seventh grade and couldn’t speak English. Christa’s greatest desire was to become an AMERICAN. She took as many classes as possible in English. In high school she studied shorthand, type, and more English. She was determined to be an American and speak English with no accent. She wanted no one to know she was born in Germany. She grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School in 1958. After graduation from high school, she began working for the Genealogical Society in Salt Lake City for two years. Christa transcribed records from German to English. Christa married Paul Stanley on February 13, 1959 and had three sons Robert, David & Paul in Salt Lake City. She moved to Las Vegas, married Leon Sprouse, February 24, 1970. They had one son Jody. Christa loved to ride horses and soak in the sun while her boys played in the pool. Christa worked for a group service company (Tour & Travel) as operations manager. This was a very hectic time for her. She worked most days 10 to 15 hours which left little time for anything else. In the early 1980’s Christa moved to Brian Head, Utah in order to raise her son in a more stable environment. She had the privilege of working with Attorney Robert T Braithwaite until he was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in 1988. Christa eventually settled in Parowan UT and found her eternal companion Ray Bess. Ray and Christa were married July 2, 1987. Christa worked for National Resource Conservation where she made many lifelong friends. After retirement she worked at the Parowan Market. She was a volunteer at meals on wheels, for those in need. This was Christa’s passion. Her and Ray loved the outdoors. They went fishing and hunting together. Until the end she was thankful for the precious gift of her freedom. Christa was thankful for being given the great blessing of being a citizen of the United State of America. Christa is survived by her brother, G. Fred Streuling, sons Robert Stanley (Cindy) Spanish Fork, David Stanley (Julie) Lehi, Jody Sprouse (Dilyana) Parowan, 5 grandkids and 9 great grand kids. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Bess (spouse) Paul Stanley (son). Christa’s funeral will be held Thursday, May 6, 2021. This will be held at the Parowan 3rd Ward Church 90 S Main St. Parowan, Utah. Friends may call starting at 9:30 the same day. Christa will be laid to rest at the Parowan Cemetery 834 Canyon Rd, Parowan, Utah. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Christa Streuling Bess, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.