Charlotte Kraft

Charlotte Viline Kraft left this world on January 14, 2015. She passed peacefully at the age of 89 in the comfort of her beloved family home on Beaver Creek, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 22nd at 11:00 am at the Presbyterian Church in Encampment. Charlotte was born in Riverton, Wyoming on August 31, 1925 to Carl and Clara Murray. She spent her early childhood there before returning to her family home in Encampment in 1936. It was in Encampment that she met her late husband, Jerome "Slim" Kraft. They were married on October 30th, 1942. On their ranch at Beaver Creek, Charlotte worked alongside her husband, Slim. She drove the sweep during haying season, often with her small children bouncing on her knee. She loved being outdoors in her beloved valley, and took great joy in tending to her chickens. When the work was done, Charlotte enjoyed working on her "projects." She loved to sew, and could often be found piecing together colorful squares of fabric for one of her many quilts. Charlotte also loved to cook. Visitors to the house on Beaver Creek were often welcomed with hot cookies, straight from her old coal stove. Sunday suppers on the ranch were the highlight of the week. Strangers in Charlotte's life didn't remain so for long. People were important to her. Her thoughtful and caring nature made her many friends. She loved chatting over a puzzle, quilt, or cup of coffee. She always had time for a friend. Charlotte enjoyed being active and involved in her community. She loved quilting at the Senior Center, and was a member of the Dirt Diggers Garden Club, the Presbyterian Church Mariners, Presbyterian Women, and Snowy Range Cattlewomen. Her history in the valley gave her a unique perspective to share with visitors to the Grand Encampment Museum, where she volunteered for many years. Above all things, Charlotte loved her family. She was driven by this love. An active mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Charlotte could always be found supporting her family in their endeavors: being a 4-H leader, timing at her sons' ropings, and cheering on children and grandchildren at sporting events. When she wasn't cheering her family along, she was teaching them. Many a child learned from Charlotte to cook, to sew, to work hard, and to value the things you have. Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, Jerome "Slim" Kraft, sisters; Genevieve Finch and Mary Betz, brother; Edward Murray, parents; Carl and Clara Murray. She is survived by her children; Rosalie Cousins and husband Wade, Jerry Kraft and wife Linda, Dan Kraft and wife Pam, her sister; Alice Cornell, her grandchildren; Kristi Cotant and husband, Casey, Jody Cousins and husband, Sean, Cassie Kraft Orduno and her husband Tommy, Alysia Kraft and Jason Kraft, and great-grandchildren; Landon, Camden and Logan Cotant. Charlotte's upbeat attitude, honestly, friendship, and loving spirit will be greatly missed. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Grand Encampment Museum, PO Box 43, Encampment, Wyoming, 82325.

Service

Thursday, January 22, 2015 11:00am

Encampment Presbyterian Church

918 Rankin Ave.

ENCAMPMENT, WY