Honoring the Lives & Legacies of The Gertsch Sisters

Wanda Lucille Sawyers

August 27, 1916 – October 03, 2022

and

Alethea Edeltrude Ludowitz

August 28, 1926 – October 05, 2022

To be frank, Wanda Sawyers and Alethea Ludowitz were a pair of strong and resilient women. Each was born on the family farm without running water or electricity; Wanda in Nebraska and Alethea in Colorado. Along with their sister, Ardith (age 104), these are the Gertsch Girls.

Instilled in these "Strong Women of the Prairie" was the practicality of farm living, strong Christian faith, and the principle that you do whatever had to be done.

 Wanda's and Alethea's lives were often intertwined. Born ten years and one day apart, their birthdays were often celebrated together; and it surprises few people that they passed on within 36 hours of each other. Yet, for how much they were alike, and the close proximity in which they lived, they each have their own individual story.

Celebration of Life Events

Click below to watch the Live Stream Celebration of Life for Wanda and Alethea

• Sunday, November 13, 2022 at 3:00 pm •

  • Honorarium

    To honor Alethea with a Memorial Donation, please make your gift to the Sierra Club Foundation, a leader in efforts to create and protect public lands and sustain our cultural heritage.

    Alethea and John camped in Mineral King with family and friends every summer. The Sierra Club was a key player fighting to prevent the development of Mineral King wilderness into a commercial ski resort, and then championing the successful effort to include Mineral King as part of Sequoia National Park, thereby protecting this pristine wilderness and making it available for all to enjoy.

    If you would like to honor Alethea with a donation, please click on the link below:

    Honor Alethea with a Donation

  • Complete the left side of the Sierra Club Foundation form with this information:

    Memorial Gift in Memory of - Alethea Ludowitz

    Memorial Special Note (Optional)

    Recipient Name (Family Member to Receive Notice of Memorial Donation) - John Kelly Ludowitz

    Recipient Email - jakekelly99@gmail.com

    Recipient Address - 4327 Manson Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

    Complete the right side of the Sierra Club Foundation form with you gift.

The Gertsch Girls each have their own story, but the threads that are interwoven and connect their lives are strong. Wanda and Alethea lived their lives in the belief that you ‘Let all that you do be done in love.’ Their independence, resilience, compassion and generosity is based in their Christian faith.

Their open hearts and open arms, enveloped family, friends, and all God’s children. Their reach was long and we are all blessed to have been touched, influenced and inspired by their loving example.