Mildred Kraft

1921 - 2010

VANCOUVER, Wash. - Reuniting with her husband who predeceased her, Millie Kraft left the complications of cancer on December 27, 2010, in Vancouver, WA. She was born in Corvallis, OR to Hugo and Hulda Schmidt.

She graduated from Corvallis HS. After the outbreak of WWII, she married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Kraft, and they moved to Washington D.C. where he was stationed in the Army. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

After Clarence returned from active service, they lived in Eugene where he completed his University studies. Salem was their next home where Clarence began a long tenure at Willamette University and they raised their children Rick, Mary, Joyce, and Lorraine.

Millie worked for the Oregon State Legislature in both the House and Senate. She was an exemplary wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved flowers, bridge and ladies' church groups, sewing, and cooking. She joined Clarence in traveling, fishing, watching sports, beachcombing, and singing in the church choir.

Millie will be remembered for her smile, friendliness, and kind spirit. The family wishes to give special appreciation to her caregivers this past year, Elvira and Elena.

She is survived by her four children, Rick Kraft (Betsy), Mary Kraft, Joyce Hamreus (Cal), and Lorraine Gonzalez; seven grandchildren; and sister, Gladys Meier and brother, Clarence Schmidt.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat, January 15, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church, Salem, OR. Remembrances include the American Cancer Society, Prof. Clarence and Millie Kraft Scholarship Fund (Willamette University), or St. John Lutheran Church.