Ursula Barta, age 94, passed away quietly at Pikes Peak Hospice on January 2, 2020. An only child, Ursula was born in Mulheim-Ruhr, Saarn, Germany on July 28, 1925, to Frederich and Bernadina Rosenthal. Her father was a musician, and Ursula, a musical prodigy, was taught early in life to play the piano and accordion. A devoted Catholic, she played the organ at church and volunteered her music abilities whenever and wherever possible. Her childhood friend Annaliese described Ursula as an unrelenting optimist and “the life at every gathering”. Ursula became an accomplished pianist, studying music at the prestigious Volkerwang Schule in Essen-Werden Conservatory of Art and Design. Her studies ended when the Conservatory was destroyed by American bombers in WWII. After the war, Ursula worked for several years as a member of the Truppen Betreuung (Troop Entertainment) for the USO, and it was there that she met her future husband, Frank Barta. She also performed for the judges who presided at the Nuremberg Trials.
Ursula became a military wife, and she and Frank left Germany and moved to Colorado Springs in 1950, where she would spend most of the next 70 years. She became the loving mother to four children (Rosemarie, Veronica, Raymond and Diana), and although she flourished, she was homesick for her homeland.
Ursula lived a full life. She loved raising her four children with Frank, while working over 20 years at the Old Broadmoor, when they still hosted the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.
For 15 years, Ursula lovingly cared for Frank after his stroke. Following Frank’s death, Ursula moved to Arizona where she enjoyed sunshine, freedom, and visits from family. As her health declined, her heart returned to Colorado Springs to spend her last years visiting her children and traveling, especially to Hawaii. Her remarkable legacy is the example she set as an authentic, generous, caring and committed woman. She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.
For Christians, death is not the end, it is the beginning. And so, the tears we shed are not for our mother, but for ourselves. We thank God for His comfort granted through Our Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:1-4.
A memorial service will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs at 10am on 9 January. Flowers can be sent to the Shrine at 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Burial will be at Fort Logan Cemetery, Pavilion A, at 2pm on 13 January.
LynNelle Mustard
7 Jan 2020Your Mutter loved you all so much. I, as her hairstylist of 21 years, have heard so many happy and funny stories about her many experiences, travels and you all. One thing I would add to her beautiful eulogy is that she was humble. There are things I read that she never shared especially her gift for music. She told me of her gifted parents but not of her own gifts. I like to think of her in Heaven joining the Angels in their glorious concerts. Oh glorious day! She was a beautiful woman who will be missed by so many! Lovingly LynNelle
Nancy (Barta) Burns
8 Jan 2020My sweet Aunt Ula. Spunky personality, full of life and love! She was so good to me when I was growing up. Her and my dad stayed in touch (Frank was my dads brother) and they would visit when possible.
I know she joins a great many beautiful people in paradise. I will miss her laughter and her ability to always speak her mind!
Jesus said “peace be with you. My peace I give to you”. She is at peace and hope the same will come over my cousins In The coming weeks.
Favorite memory? Her always holding me in her lap when I was little and telling me she loved me. Plus she always gave the best Christmas gifts!
Iche Liebe dir taunte Ula.
SB Grier
9 Jan 2020My entire life you were always an important part of it. Pretty much every memory of every place I lived and traveled with my family included you. You comforted me when I was a child, you babysat me in Europe, you became a friend when I grew up, and a fun great-grandma to my kids. I will miss talking politics, learning about World War 2, and your amazing sense of humor that never failed even at the very end. I will never forget you, grandma, and am grateful for the 4 decades I got to know you.