Gerda follows her husband Leon “Bill” Ray who passed away on January 12, 2021 and her brother Peter Braun died in March 2023. She was born in Stuttgart, Germany where she worked in hotel management with her family’s business. Gerda married Bill and moved to Arizona where they built a home in Paradise Valley and made many friends. Gerda’s love of fashion was evident, she was named a Best Dressed Honoree by Trends Magazine and recognized as one of The Phoenix Best Dressed Women. (2003-20219) Gerda was an avid gardener growing a great variety of roses, flowers, vegetables and herbs. She was a member of the Paradise Valley Women’s Club and the Phoenix Rose Society
She loved wearing hats, dressing for special occasions and afternoon tea parties. When her roses were in bloom she would enjoy having ladies for tea in her garden. George, the couples cat, came to live with them in 2010 and has been great company for Gerda. He will find a home with Gerda’s friend Hallie Cram. Gerda is survived by her niece Katja Braun, grand-niece Caroline Braun and nephews Christoph Braun and Grand Nephew Noah Braun and Jannis Braun.
A public memorial service will be held at
Ascension Lutheran Church at 10AM Thursday, May 9, 2024
7100 N Mockingbird Ln, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
(480) 948-6050
A committal service will occur Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to
Paralyzed Veterans of America Arizona Chapter.
1001 East Fairmount Avenue,
Phoenix, Arizona 85014,
United States.
602-244-9168
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