Ella "Rhonda" Krauss, who was born January 14, 1941, in Haskell, OK, peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home in the midafternoon on May 6, 2022. Her parents were Forrest and Georgia (Grayson) Fousel. She was 81 years old.

She was raised with seven brothers and two sisters during the post-depression and WWII era and graduated from Rothammer High School in 1959.

On June 30, 1960, she entered into active service, during the Cold War era, in the U.S. Army in the Women's Army Corp as a Clerk Typist at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Until her Honorable Discharge on January 4, 1962 (18 Months). She advanced to the rank of SP4 (T) and was awarded a Sharpshooter's Badge with a M1 Carbine Rifle.

After military service, she moved to Spokane, WA. and met her husband, the Late Louis Elmer Krauss Jr., a baker for the Continental Baking Company, Wonder Bread. They married on December 5, 1964, and soon slatted a family of four sons.

Over the last 60 years, Rhonda was a talented licensed beautician. She was remarkable and gifted in her craft which came in handy to support herself and her four young sons through the untimely death of her husband on March 7, 1977.

In addition to her talents, Rhonda was an inspiring painter and pianist. She enjoyed painting watery seascapes and mountainous landscapes. As a pianist, she enjoyed hosting music recitals at her home and at Unity Church in Spokane, WA.

She also enjoyed cross country skiing, swimming, and hiking in Spokane and surrounding areas. As a member of the Hobnailers Outdoor Adventure Club, she was awarded numerous pins and medals for her participation in hiking.

She also enjoyed booking airline flights to see family and friends throughout the country.

She also enjoyed working in her yard and flower beds and routinely hosted many game nights and social gatherings at her home with her lifelong friends.

She was a member of Parents without Partners, and later on, the Spokane Single's groups. On June 3, 1990, the Spokane Single's Groups awarded her the "Award of Military Merit" for her contributions in the Women's Army Corp and having all of her four sons in the U.S. Military at the same time.

On January 12, 2001, Rhonda was officially recognized by official letterhead from the Office of the Mayor, Mayor John Powers of Spokane, WA., for her life contributions and achievements leading up to her 60th birthday.

Rhonda's crowning Hallmark in her life was her deep and devoted love for her four sons. She made it her life's mission to be a loving and supporting parent. She always stood by her sons and was always quick to offer good advice to ensure their success in life.

Ella Rhonda Krauss is greatly missed among her family and friends. She provided a great contribution to the Spokane Community in the way of a prosperous contributing family and giving to Spokane charities to help the needy.

Rhonda is preceded in death by her late husband, Elmer Louis Krauss Jr., her parents, Forrest and Georgia Fousel, six brothers (George F., Forrest D., Orville G., Harley T., Victor L., Enoch l-1.) and two sisters (Anna Mae E., and Edna Fay)

She is survived by her last surviving sibling, brother Walt L. Fousel "Sandy", her four sons, Michael E., Kurt L., John E., Mark J., nine grandchildren, Benjamin M. (Sarah E. Krauss), Sara L. (Richard T. Valenzuela), Savannah C., Amanda E., (Curtis B. Weller), Thomas F., Elijah J., Gabriel M., Selina E., and Comtney L., and twelve great- grandchildren, Kruz K., Kazdyn C., Cole M., Lawson J., Mason M., Malia J., Stella M., Stetson T., Lily, Phoenx, Mylo, and Sawyer J. She was also a favorite aunt, an "Auntie Mame" to numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing at Heritage Funeral and Cremation in Spokane, WA. on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm followed by her funeral services the next day at Heritage on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 11:00 am. Rhonda's inurnment will be at Fairmont Memorial Park in Spokane, WA.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on May 22, 2022.