Alma A. Kraft

Alma A. Kraft, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, peacefully in her Brighton home after a short battle with cancer. From her birth in Ft. Lupton, on October 19, 1927 to her death, she was loved by everyone that knew her.

She was born on a farm between Ft. Lupton and Brighton, to Allen and Thelma (Smith) Hause and was welcomed by a sister Thelma May age 2. When Alma was only 19 days old her mother passed away from an infection. After her mother's death her Grandpa and Grandma Smith came from California to help with Alma and Thelma. Work was hard to come by in those days, so they had to return to California. Alma and Thelma were then raised by her Grandpa and Grandma Hause. Alma's Daddy had to work out of state and was unable to care for his two little girls. He would visit every time he had a chance.

Alma attended the Independence School for her elementary and middle school grades. She graduated from Brighton High School in 1945. She graduated from Anderson University, in Anderson Indiana, which was a college associated with her home church, the Church of God. She went to college for two years, came home and taught school in a two room school house at Westlake for two years, to raise money to return to finish college. She graduated from Anderson University with a teaching degree.

In her 25 year teaching career she taught mostly 3rd grade at Irondale School. She enjoyed teaching so very much.

Alma enjoyed traveling. She traveled to the Holy Land in 1965 and Europe in 1967. She attended six International Youth Conventions for the Church of God, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada was the most fun. Alma and Vernon enjoyed many trips, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico, just to name a few.

Alma married Vernon Kraft in 1974 and were married for 29 very happy years. She and Vernon loved to travel, go fishing, and hunting. Alma was a gifted Painter, loved to crochet, read her bible, devotional books and novels, she wrote two books about herself and family, and played the piano daily for her own enjoyment. She enjoyed her friends and activities at the Eagle View Adult Center in Brighton, CO. She tried to attend all of the luncheons for people that went to the Independence School. She was a devoted member of the Longspeak Street Church of God in Brighton, a member of their Missionary Society and served on the Church board for many terms. She loved planning family dinners and most of all our Christmas Family Reunions that she missed this year by a couple weeks.

Alma was the favorite "Aunt" for all of her nieces, nephews, and cousins, spanning three generations. She was a dear Grandma to Vernon's grandchildren.

PRECEDED in death by: Her parents, Husband Vernon, Sons: Dennis Kraft and Charles Kraft. Grandchildren: Danene Kraft and Daniel Kraft. Sisters: Thelma Turner, Myra Jean Hause, and Aleda Chandler. Brothers: Leland Smith, Herbert Smith, Billy Hause, and Eldon Hause, and Sister in law Carol Hause. Niece Donna Turner and great niece Kristin Brooks Turner, niece Stacey Hause Naibauer, niece Linda Hause and niece Eilleen Garrison.

SURVIVED by: Daughters in law: Barbara Kraft and Kay Doss Grandchildren Doug (Cori) Kraft, David and Brian Kraft, Carol (Craig) Baumgartner, Linda Rock, Connie (Rick) Sack Great grandchildren Jennifer Kraft, Lara McKee, Zachary McKee, Deziray Jackson, Kelly Lee, Sarah Baumgartner, Damian Rock, Austin Rock, Logan Sack and Regan Sack And two great-great grandsons. Sisters: LaVeda Smith Sears, Jayleen Smith Miller, niece: Rayleen Smith Swarts (Gary Simmons), great nephew and great nieces: Alicia (Brandon) Hinds, Curtis (Danielle) Swarts, and Kimberly (Brad) Harms, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews: Daniel Hinds, Olivia Swarts, Autumn Harms, Zandor Franklin, Nova Franklin, and Aeris Franklin. Nephew and nieces: David (MaryLou) Turner, Linda (Les), Lanita (Bob) Harkema, Twila (Jim) Ruston, and Theresa (Todd). Many great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends.

In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to the Longspeak Church of God, P.O. Box 493, Brighton, CO 80601.