Hedwig Elfredia ("Heda") Christ

Hedwig Elfreida (“Heda”) Christ passed away on June 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, intelligence, resilience, and steadfast love for her family and community.

Heda was born on March 9, 1942, in Düsseldorf, Germany, to Arnold and Margrete (née Westermann). Following the loss of her mother at a young age, Heda was lovingly raised by her aunt, and by Arnold’s second wife, Luise Hiltrop. In the years following World War II, the Hiltrop family immigrated to the Chicago area in search of opportunity, building a new life in America when she was twelve.

Heda’s determination, courage and optimism guided her life and her family. At twenty-one she wrote the German government by hand for her birth certificate, cash enclosed, asking for a quick response, which they did. She pursued a career in nursing, which later included those recovering from complex surgeries in intensive care settings at Houston’s leading medical facilities, and she shared her experience through teaching.

She met her first husband, Robert Ing, and together they welcomed three children: David, Deborah, and Richard. The family lived in Toronto, Canada, before eventually settling in Houston, where Heda embraced Texas’s warmth and kindness.

Following her divorce from Robert, Heda experienced a renewed and deeply personal commitment to her Christian faith through Hosanna Lutheran church. It was there that she met Ronald Duane Christ, who became the love of her life and beloved husband. Through their marriage, Heda lovingly embraced Ron’s daughters, Erica and Heidi, creating a close and blended family grounded in faith, humor, and care for one another.

Heda’s greatest passion was family. She found joy in life’s rituals spent with family large and small: travel, spending time with grand daughters and sons, supporting her children, sharing her history; visiting a farmers market with kids and grandkids; sharing her exceptional Caesar salad recipe.

She was deeply curious and believed in the potential of family and others. She was meticulous and organized and lived a life famously free of dust. Family who asked for directions learned “turn left at the light” wasn’t enough. Her instructions were comprehensive and complete with diagrams the internet could never give. Beneath the humor, Heda wanted the best for her family which shone through the details, and her approach showed the deep belief she had in each, which all deeply felt.

After retirement, Heda and Ron embraced a life of service inspired by the book Don’t Retire, Rewire! Through Lutheran mission work, they spent time in Botswana, where Heda developed a deep and lasting connection to the people and community. Their experience grew into a lifelong commitment, and after returning to Texas, Heda continued supporting women and children in Africa through educational and economic development, including her involvement with WomenCraft and Kagera Scholarship Fund through her daughter Heidi.

Heda and Ron were devoted members of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands, where faith, friendship, and service became central parts of their lives.

Heda is survived by her sisters, Magda Hepokoski, Margaret Braschos, and brother Bernie Hiltrop; her children, David Ing, Deborah Rom, and Richard Ing; her stepdaughters, Erica Christ Brookover and Heidi Christ Smith; and her beloved grandchildren, Alexis Rom, Audrey and Tegen Smith, and Ryan and Kate Ing. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron, whose partnership, faith, and love shaped thirty-six cherished years together.

Heda will be remembered as a caring, intelligent, faithful woman whose compassion touched many lives. Her absence will be deeply felt by her family, friends, church community, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

I am absolutely devastated to share that my beautiful mother passed away suddenly. My heart is broken, and our family is still trying to process this immense loss.

We invite those who wish to join in celebrating her life and a Reception immediately following.

Sunday, June 28 @ 2 pm

Lord of Life Lutheran Church

3801 S Panther Creek

The Woodlands, TX 77381