daughter of Hans and Maren (Jensen) Hansen

Sophie H. Ehlert, 97, of Cedar Falls, died Saturday December 3, 2011, at the Western Home Elizabeth Martin Center.

She was born June 14, 1914 in Cedar Falls, the daughter of Hans and Maren (Jensen) Hansen. She married Walter F. Ehlert January 25, 1933 in Cedar Falls. He preceded her in death October 21, 1980. She married Eugene (Bill) Murray August 23, 1984 at Evergreen, AL. He preceded her in death April 20, 1995.

She worked for many years at the Hurlburt Hatchery in Waterloo and later purchased this business and operated it as Ehlert's Hatchery, with her son Harlan. After retirement from the hatchery she worked in the X-Ray department at Sartori Hospital.Sophie enjoyed collecting antiques, refinishing furniture, crafts, home decorating, gardening, traveling, visiting and playing cards with family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Harlan (Elsie) Ehlert of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren, Nora (Paul) Johnston of Cedar Falls, Jeff (Lorie) Ehlert and Jon Ehlert all of Katy, TX, and Jodi Perry of Queen Valley, AZ; six great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

Sophie was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Walter Ehlert and Eugene (Bill) Murray; one son, David W. Ehlert, one grandson, Brian D. Ehlert, six brothers, George, Amos, Peter, Toby, John and Bill; four sisters, Marie Holmes, Margaret Robinson, Hellene Leversee and Marion Holmes.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Nazareth Lutheran Church and with burial in Greenwood Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be directed to Nazareth Lutheran Church and the Western Home.