Betty Irene Kraft of Helena, age 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 3, 2018. She died from complications of pneumonia. Betty was born to John & Marie Sitzman on February 7, 1927 and grew up in a Christian farming family in Park City, Montana. She received her early education in Park City and enrolled at Montana State College, graduating in 1950, with a degree in Nursing. While attending college, she met and married, Albert Kraft of Kalispell, Montana. She worked in Health Care as a Registered Nurse in Helena for St. Peter’s Hospital and several Helena physicians.
Betty was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Helena, for over 60 years and loved her Creator & Savior with whom she is now experiencing eternal life. In her spare time, she enjoyed frequent traveling to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks with Albert and family and spending time at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake with their children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed tending her beautiful flower gardens, creating pottery at the Archie Bray, weaving and macrame’, and walking, hiking and cross-country skiing with friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Albert in March, 2016; her parents; and infant daughter, Betty. She is survived by her sons Dave (Nancy) and Doug (Teri); grandchildren Jaime (Jeff) Kicklighter, Brad (Meagan) Kraft, Andrea (Eli) Hall, and Leah Kraft; and great grandchildren Noah Kraft and Colter and Emma Hall. Other survivors include sisters Lil (Henry) Weschenfelder and Donna Eckhoff and brothers John (Dorothy) and Walt (Bonnie) Sitzman and many nieces & nephews.
A Christian Memorial Service and Celebration of Betty’s Life is scheduled for 11:00 am July 10, 2018 at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway, Helena, with Pastor Larry Miller presiding. Burial will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison after the service. Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church 2231 E. Broadway, Helena or Tacoma Seafarer’s Center, 1225 E. Alexander Ave. Tacoma, WA 98421. Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Betty’s family would like to thank Big Sky Healthcare Community, Compassus Hospice and St. Peter’s Health for their concern and excellent care.
Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Betty.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 10, 2018
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Fellowship hall of the church
,
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 10, 2018
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Fellowship hall of the church
,
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Susan Medlin says
To the family: No words can take away the sorrow that you are feeling at this difficult time but may it be comforting to know that others care. May the God of Comfort also give you strength. (Revelation 21:3,4 & John 11).
Tom Naegele says
Dave & Doug,
Prayers of Support & Condolences for you and your families. She lived a good life and raised 2 fine guys. Peace & Tranquility always especially through this Celebration of your Mom and Family.
Tom
Darrel &Carol Alm says
Sorry for your loss Dave and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Tom Juhl says
Dave and Nancy sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother…….
Londa Burns says
Dave and family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Betty Brewer says
Dave, Nancy and family. I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Praise God she is now in Heaven with your Dad and has a beautifully transformed heavenly body. I pray that you hold all of your wonderful memories close to your heart and that God grants you healing and peace. Your Mom was a beautiful lady and she was loved by so many and always will be. Asking for healing prayers and comfort for you all. God Bless you all. Love you both, John & Betty
Chris Love says
Dave and Nancy and family – Holding you in our prayers as you mourn the passing of your beloved mom. There is no one like mom! She will always be in your hearts, and all those wonderful memories. May you all feel the loving arms of our Lord and Savior surrounding you and holding you tight, giving you comfort and peace. God bless you all. Love and hugs, Chris and Vance Love
Nancy Young says
To the family of Betty I. Kraft. Words cannot express the pain you’re feeling. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Psalms 90 verse 12.
Bonnie Hurless says
So sorry for your loss! Betty was a special lady….always had a smile. Sending prayers.
Kendra Bushnell Smith says
I am so sorry for your loss of Betty. She was a bright guiding light in my life and I will never forget the kindness and love she showed me throughout my life. She will be truly missed and forever loved and remembered.
Steve and Jackie Sampson says
So sorry to hear about your mom.
She was a special lady.