Nancy Spence Kraus

Nancy Spence Kraus of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away unexpectedly, after a brief illness on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper, age 91 years. Nancy Williams Spence was born on July 18, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of the late, James A. and Anne (Robertson) Spence Sr. She graduated from Emma Willard Private Boarding High School in New York and later proudly graduated from Bennett College in New York. She married Arthur Calvin Smith on June 8, 1955, their union bringing three sons: Tim, Kirk, and Kris. Her family grew when she married Kenneth K. Kraus on February 2, 1985; he preceded her in death on January 30, 2006. Nancy served as an office manager for the Saginaw Symphony for many years before retiring. She then came out of retirement to work for St. John's Episcopal Church, serving her beloved church for many years before retiring. A community activist and volunteer, she was an active member of the Saginaw Junior League, the Saginaw Symphony House Walk, Saginaw West Side Art Fair, Covenant Hospital, and countless outreach programs. Nancy's little piece of heaven was vacationing at the Spence family cottage at Cottage Grove in Higgins Lake, Michigan, and winter vacations in Siesta Key, Florida. She loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing with her husband, golf, skiing, long nature walks, and staying active. Above all, Nancy treasured and cherished her family and friends. She will forever be remembered for her selflessness to anyone, especially her family, for always giving back to her community, for caring on tradition and legacy, and for embodying the elegance, class, and manors of a true lady.

Surviving are her children: Timothy (Sharon) Smith, Kirk R. Smith, Steven (Janet Cleary) Kraus, Beverly (Hugh) Whiteherse, Matthew (Rosellen) Kraus; a special friend she referred to as a son, James Wenzel; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Andrew R. (Susan) Spence of Harbor Springs.

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to a special grandson, Andrew Smith, who always found the time to call or visit his grandmother at least once a week.

Besides her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by two children, Kris F. Smith and Dr. Jennifer Kraus; one brother, James A. Spence II; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Grills.

Honoring Nancy's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Ave. The Rev. Pamela Renna will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John's Episcopal Church or Higgins Lake Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.