Deanna Kraft

Deanna Michelle Kraft, "Surfer Girl," 25, was called to heaven on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Our little firecracker was born in Las Cruces on July 4, 1989, to Steve and Dedra (Benge) Kraft. She lived most of her life in Las Cruces, but did venture at age 18 to Eagle River, Alaska ("you know, next to Hawaii"). Throughout her education, she received multiple awards for academic accomplishments. She graduated high school in 2007 and was a Crimson Scholar while pursuing her college degree. Deanna was a sympathetic, charitable, vibrant and social person who wore her heart on her sleeve. She deeply cared for others and was a stranger to no one. People were drawn to her effervescent, "bubbly" personality, beautiful smile and kind heart. Her intuitive nature and open ear lent to her relentless pursuit in helping others. Her selfless acts began early in life, initiating fundraisers with her younger sister at their elementary school. Deanna found joy in running, hiking, singing and dancing, but what warmed her heart the most was spending time with her nieces and nephews, whom she loved so dearly.

Deanna is survived by her parents, Dedra and Steve; sister Carrie Coates, brother Jay Trego and wife, Cindy, sister Sarah Rivera and boyfriend, Sal, sister Amy Kraft and fiance, Micah; maternal grandmother, Faye Benge; paternal grandparents, Vern and Lois Kraft. Those most precious to her were nieces Adelyssa, Naivea and Emarah Rivera, nephews Brenden and Keegen Trego, and Jaydon Kraft. Close family include Roberta Gillette and sons Seth and Justin Gillette; Christopher and Bleecker Marquez, David Marquez and fiancée, Liz Gonzalez, Steven Chavez, Carl Benge, and many others. Those that received her into Heaven were her maternal grandfather, Wilbur Benge, paternal grandmother, Anne Arringdale, aunt Deborah Benge, uncle Jonathan Benge and most recently her nephews Joshua and Adam Coates.

Please join us to remember and celebrate her life. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at her home church - Temple Baptist Church, 2300 E. Missouri, Las Cruces, with the Rev. Max Perkins officiating. Pallbearers will be Jay Trego, Christopher and David Marquez, Steven Chavez, (George) Tanner Thacker and James Reynaud. Honorary pallbearers will be Sal Calderon and Micah Ziehl. Graveside services will follow at the Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road, Las Cruces. Donations can be made at gofundme.com under Deanna Kraft. Arrangements are with Getz Funeral Home, to sign the local online guest book please visitwww.GetzCares.com.