Rose L. Kraft

KRAFT, Rose L.

Born on October 8th, 1923 and passed away on September 15th, 2017 in her 94th year.
Rose was the daughter of the late Albert and Lillian (nee Frank) Jenkins. She was the youngest of their seven children and the last to pass away. The first born was Edna (Steinruck), then Elma (Peters), Alberta (Hutchinson), Ruth (Bosse), Albert (Jenkins) and Walter (Jenkins) [passed away as an infant]. Rose was closest to Alberta (Bert) as they were the last two at home together after the siblings had all married. Rose and Bert each married after their sweethearts returned from the service and World War II in 1945; Bert & Ben in July and Rose & Russell in August.
Rose married her grade school sweetheart, Russell Raymond Kraft. They had attended Kirby Road School together and he definitely "caught her eye." After grade school Rose graduated from Commercial High School and Russell graduated from Automotive High School. Russell then went off to the Army and World War II. They remained sweethearts and married when Russell returned from the service. Rose used her Commercial High School skills as a secretary before they had children and after the children were grown. She was quite artistic and used her talent illustrating the company newsletter and drawing many pictures through the years for her family. Sadly, Russell passed away on July 31, 2000 and Rose always kept him in her heart.
Family and home were Rose and Russell's joys. They would do anything they could for their family. Rose and Russell have three children: One daughter, Terry Armstrong and two sons, Michael (Joey) Kraft, and David (Terri) Kraft. The grandchildren are Scott (Helen Zang) Armstrong, Kelly (Scott) Kidd, Dan (Eli Ruwe) Kraft, Angela Poling-Perez (Monica Perez), Doug Poling (Bobby Jennison), Tracy Zahner, Christina (Aaron) Richardson, Michelle (Joe) Meyer, the late Benjamin Russell Kraft and Allison (Dave) Weber. The great-grandchildren are Brandon and Olivia Armstrong; Emma and Cason Kidd; Luke, Wyatt and Brady Kraft; Nick and Haley Perez, Cameron Poling-Perez, Sophia Zahner; Kelsey and Tyler Vandever; Ruby Meyer and Benjamin and James Weber.
She also leaves many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She spent a lot of time through the years with her niece Vivian Ulrich both growing up and as an adult. (I am sorry if I missed someone as Mom loved all of you and there are just too many to list.)
Rose loved the holidays! Having her family around for Thanksgiving was such a treat. She loved cooking a huge, delicious dinner and enjoying it with her family around her. We all still talk about her home-made noodles; they were so good! Christmas was a joy. Our house was so festive when mom and dad got finished decorating. Dad always put up the lights, both inside on the tree and outside on the house and Mom decorated the inside and trimmed the tree. Shopping, wrapping beautiful presents and then placing them just so under the tree was always so special for her. Mom always made sure that she had just the right present for everyone. Everyone enjoyed how beautiful everything was!
She really enjoyed music and dancing. Jitterbug was so much fun for her as was a romantic slow dance with Russell. The music of the 40's and 50's were greatly enjoyed with the Big Bands, Sinatra, and Dean Martin just to name a few and . . . we can't forget Elvis. Russell's favorite group was the Mills Brothers; they had such a smooth sound.
Rose loved animals so much; she made donations to many different shelters and rescues trying to make a difference in their lives. If you would like to do something in her memory, please make a donation to help animals as this would please her so much!
Her family will miss her terribly. We already do.