Ursula Gresser Magura

It is with deep sorrow we announce the death of Ursula Gresser Magura, who passed away on September 19, 2023 just shy of her 99th birthday. Ursula was born on October 26, 1924 in Weinfelden, Switzerland to Eugen and Mathilde Gresser. She grew up alongside her sister Rosemary, and also had two other siblings, Heinz and Ruth. They lived in the beautiful Canton of Thurgau near Lake Constance which borders southern Germany. Living there, she experienced the joys of childhood, as well as the deep sadness and destruction of World War II.

Following primary education in her village, she expanded her knowledge in other regions of Switzerland. While attending Finishing School, Ursula learned the art of running a household which included basic skills such as knitting, cooking and secretarial training. Furthermore, she became proficient in multiple languages in addition to her first language, Swiss German. It was while she was active in the war effort in Switzerland she met her future husband, Stefan Magura.

After marrying Stefan, in 1949, Ursula immigrated to the United States alongside her husband. They began their young lives together in Pennsylvania and raised seven children in their devout Catholic home. Life led them to Kentucky and eventually to Tennessee where they settled and became empty nesters. Although the seven children left home, maintaining a very close family was very important to her entire family. Holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, drew everyone home to roost. Seemingly, every year there were more people as they added sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were all very precious to her. A faith-filled woman, Ursula was heavily involved in her Church with Altar Guild, Bereavement Ministry, Meals-on-Wheels and always shared her delicious kitchen creations at bake sales and breads for the Priests. Her tender heart went beyond the human species as Ursula was the Pied Piper of dogs; there was always one one sitting at her feet waiting for the treats. She truly exemplified what it means to possess a loving heart.

Ursula lost her husband in 1994, however, she continued to have great zest for life. She became active in water aerobics, took up weightlifting, the rowing machine and chair aerobics in her 70s. On her 80th birthday she soared the skies of Switzerland in a hot air balloon with her dear friends, Walter and Susan. Ursula loved to travel and took regular visits to her home country of Switzerland well into her 90s, where she could be found on many of the hiking trails. She was an avid dancer and continued to to shake her tail feather at any opportunity. Even at 98, neighbors would see a petite, white-haired woman walking her street with her walker in hand and one of her precious Caregivers by her side. She did all of this to remain healthy and young. Ursula always said "I have to walk today as you have to keep moving!' She was such an inspiration to many and we are so blessed to call her "Mama."

Ursula's Earthly journey has ended, yet she has entered into a glorious new life filled with incomprehensible love in the presence of our loving Father and His Son Jesus Christ. While our hearts mourn her passing, we also rejoice that she is now free of pain, anxiety and confusion. We have faith that she now has the peace beyond all understanding. God surely has her everlasting soul firmly in His hands as He will undoubtedly say to her "Well done, My good and faithful servant.

Ursula was predeceased by her parents Eugen and Mathilde Gresser, and her husband, Stefan Magura. She is survived by her children: four sons, Stefan Magura and wife, Madge Parker Magura; Christian Magura and wife, Amy Blaisdel Magura; Peter Magura and wife, Michelle Blomker Magura; John Magura and wife, Darla Pyle Magura; three daughters, Elisabeth Magura Green and husband, Richard Green; Ann Magura Wolverton and husband, Jay Wolverton; Barbara Magura Aparicio and husband, Jose Aparicio, her 11 grandchildren; Elisabeth Toms (Joel), Chris Magura, Jr. (Heidi), Christina Wolverton, Max Magura, Ursula Magura, Ashley Ross (John), Stefanie Magura, Andrew Wolverton (Emilie), Isabel Davis (Drew), Gabriela Aparicio, Quinten Green and her 11 great grandchildren; Cam, Sagan, Oliver, Elisabeth, Georgina, Henry, Sloan, Palmer, Ellie, Mathilda (Tilly), and Biggs, and the furry friends she loved so well; Gracie, Shotzie, Tyson, Chet, Hampton, Teddy Biscuit, Rooney and Hubbard.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday October 28 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Cookeville, TN. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.

Flowers may be sent to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Cookeville, TN. Donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or Heifer International.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.