Gertrude Irene (Steinbacher) Grabs was born November 9, 1935, in South Mound, Kansas, to Charles and Sarah (Brown) Steinbacher.  Gert married Gene Grabs on June 17, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan.  The couple was blessed with four children: Nikki, Greg, Lori, and Brad.

Gert grew up near South Mound, Kansas, one of eight children.  She learned discipline, the value of family, and the importance of a strong faith.  She worked all her life to pass those values along to others.

Gert was an elementary school teacher for several years and loved to care for the little ones, even cutting their hair and pulling their teeth when she had to.  But always leaving them with a feeling of being valued and loved.  As a mother, her family was her vocation.  From sewing intricate doll clothes, curtains, and dresses for her girls, to expertly decorating birthday cakes and baking photo-worthy breads, she showed her affection by doing her best for those she loved.  She continued that pattern into her other endeavors with insurance, real estate, banking, and financial services, always caring for the person ahead of the task.  She served next to Gene both on the farm and in the office.  They were true partners in everything they attempted.  Gert missed her husband and best friend dearly the last four months of her life.

Gert was known for her care for others.  She was the first to volunteer when someone needed a meal or a visit in the care home.  She took care of clients as though they were her family.  But her love for the Lord was always her main focus.  Even the last weeks of her life, she attended daily mass and adorations.

Her biggest lifetime accomplishment was the legacy she left for her family.  She exemplified faith, commitment, courage, work ethic, service to others, and compassion.  Gert will be remembered for her deep love for God and for her care for every person whose path was blessed to cross hers.  Gert invested her entire life in helping others and in serving God.

On October 23, 2020, just 17 days shy of her 85th birthday, Gert passed away at her home in Harper, Kansas, leaving behind a family who deeply loves her.  Gert is preceded in death by Gene, her husband of over 60 years; sisters: Lois Giefer, Theresa Smith, and Sarah Grosdidier; brothers: Raymond Steinbacher, Gene Steinbacher, and Charles Steinbacher; and her parents, Charles and Sarah Steinbacher.  Gert is survived by her children: Nikki Herrmann and her husband, Tim Paul of Mansfield, Texas, Greg Grabs and his wife, Jane of Bismarck, North Dakota, Lori Wood and her husband, Dell of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Brad Grabs and his wife, Dawn of Kansas City, Kansas; grandchildren: Jarrid (Patrice) Herrmann, Brandon (Katie) Herrmann, Drew (Pamela) Herrmann, Jason Feist, Melissa Feist, Nicole Lewis, Emily (James) Snow, Joel Wood, Maggie Wood, John Grabs, Emmanuel Grabs, Frances Grabs, Luis Amiel, Christopher Amiel, and Jonathan Amiel; great-grandchildren: Jason Feist, Jr., Cambrie Feist, Mia Peterson, Nora Peterson, and Charlee Herrmann; sister, Mary Joslin of Lawrence, Kansas; other family members and many friends.

Visitation is 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Public Rosary is 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Harper, with Father Bob Pinninti officiating.  The family asks that you practice social distancing and please wear protective face covering if able to do so.  The Rosary will also be live streamed on our Facebook page.  www.facebook.com/prairierosefuneralhomes

Due to COVID-19, a private family funeral service and a private family interment will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gert to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Harper, Kansas, and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058.