1914-2013)
Else was born in Germany on March 27, 1914, and passed away peacefully in her sleep in Santa Barbara a day before her 99th birthday on March 26, 2013. Else immigrated to the United States when she was 9 and grew up in Southern California. She married Hans Strobel on April 11, 1936. Else and Hans built their home on the Samarkand Hill in 1937 and resided there for the rest of their lives. They welcomed their only child, John, in May of 1943. After almost 56 years of marriage, Else was predeceased by Hans in 1992.
Else was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for her strength, independence, stubbornness and wit, her cooking and baking, and her beautiful knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. She loved her family and her pets, gardening, puzzles, novels and chocolates, and truly loved living in the United States – especially on the Samarkand Hill.
Else is survived by her son John, grandchildren Jack, Hannah (Todd) and Susan (Daniel), and great-grandchildren Tristan, Crosby, Leilani and Isabella. There will never be another woman like Else, aka Mom, aka Oma. She amazed us to the very end.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Dr. Dan Litten, Dr. Susanne Ramos and the staff at Serenity House for their care and kindness. Per Else’s request there will be no services.
