Christa Maria Zwilcher Raby

Christa Maria Zwilcher Raby, 77, of Snow Camp, went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2021. A native of Munich, Germany, she was the daughter of Ludwig and Gertrud Zwilcher, both deceased.

Christa was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Danny Lee Raby of Snow Camp. They met when Danny was stationed in Munich with the U.S. Army, and the couple moved back to North Carolina to raise their family. Later, Christa took on the role of babysitter for her five grandchildren, who called her Oma. She stayed close with her German relatives, and they treasured the time with her when she made return trips to Munich. Gigi, as they called her, also hosted several family members who came to North Carolina for visits.

She is survived by three children: Stuart Raby (Nina); Yvonne Strickland (Johnny); and Eric Raby (Cindy Moon). Grandchildren are Amber Raby (Jake Coble), Dustin Raby, Holly Strickland (Sam Schwabrow), Cody Strickland and Emma Strickland, along with great-grandson Gabriel Strickland and great-granddaughter Brayleigh Coble.

She is also survived by a brother, Erich Zwilcher, and his wife Evi, along with two sisters, Gabi Stephan and Elisabeth Salzinger. She was preceded in death by a brother, Willi Zwilcher, and sisters Edeltraud Wild and Emmi Beer.

Christa will be remembered for her infectious smile, laughter, and selfless devotion to family. She had a gift with children, always showing love, patience and kindness. Friends and family alike enjoyed the German food she brought to celebrations, especially German potato salad. Christa also loved her church family, and she was a bright light to everyone who knew her.

A celebration of Christa’s life will be held Wednesday, July 21, at Friendship United Methodist Church in Burlington. The family will receive visitors in the fellowship hall from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m., and the service will be held at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. At other times, the family will receive friends at the residence of her daughter, Yvonne Strickland, 6011 Thompson Mill Road, Graham, NC.

Memorials may be made to Friendship United Methodist Church, 4612 Friendship Patterson Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215.

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