With heavy hearts, we announce to our family and friends that our beloved Ljuba passed away on August 14, 2026, at the age of 77, following a long and difficult illness.
Ljuba was born in 1948 in the former Yugoslavia, in what is now Croatia. Although growing up in the postwar years was not easy, she always remembered her childhood and youth with warmth and joy. She met her husband, Milan, in 1975, and they soon began their life together, raising two children, Željka and Radovan. They lived in a close-knit community where relationships with neighbors, friends, and extended family were deeply valued. Their home was always filled with friends, conversation, and togetherness.
Because of the wars of the 1990s, they were forced to leave their home and community. Despite the uncertainty and frequent moves that followed, Ljuba had a remarkable ability to create a sense of home and build new friendships wherever life took them.
In 1999, Ljuba and her family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland and move to Utah, where the family continues to live today.
Ljuba was known for her extraordinary warmth, joy, and optimism. She carried these qualities with her even during the most difficult times. She had a genuine love for people and always had a kind word and a warm smile for everyone she met.
Together with Milan, she worked tirelessly to raise their children with strong values and to provide them with opportunities that she herself had not been fortunate to have. Later in life, her grandchildren, Mila and Dragan, brought her immeasurable joy, and she cherished the precious moments she shared with them. Her family was her greatest source of pride and happiness.
Ljuba brought her warmth and creativity to everything she did. She loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, and cooking, and she lovingly passed many of these skills on to her children and grandchildren. She cherished Serbian folk songs, traditional dances (kolo), and the traditions of her heritage.
Ljuba touched and enriched the lives of countless people who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her example, she taught us that kindness, compassion, and generosity are among life’s greatest accomplishments.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Ljuba was preceded in death by her parents, Simo and Ana Relić; and her siblings, Stevan and Zorka.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Milan; her children, Željka and Radovan; her son-in-law, Jason; her grandchildren, Mila and Dragan; and many other family members and friends.
The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek. A repast will follow at the family home, 533 W Fine Dr., Salt Lake City.
