Patricia Kraft

Kraft, Patricia K., 78, departed this life on July 7, 2011, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Pat was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who devoted much of her life to helping others. She had a special gift for friendship and a genuine interest in other people, and she made new friends everywhere she went. She also was a dedicated volunteer who touched countless lives, showing a generosity and fortitude that didnt waver even as her health failed. Every week for nearly 30 years, she delivered Meals on Wheels to shut-ins, getting to know the people on her route and always taking extra time to visit with them. She was a member of Wichitas Music Theater Guild for 12 years and produced the Guilds annual yearbook. For nearly four decades, she was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and an active member of the church choir and bell choir. Pat was born Vallie Patricia Kirk on Sept. 29, 1932, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Vallie and Victor Kirk of Iola, Kan. She was the youngest of three girls in a musical family: her mother taught the flute, an uncle directed the ABC radio orchestra in Chicago and her grandfather led a traveling band in Missouri. When Pat was in grade school, the family moved to Topeka. She attended Topeka High School, where she sang in the choir, played flute in the band and performed in school plays. She graduated with honors in 1950. Pat went to Kansas State University, where she majored in music. She was a cheerleader her freshman year and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. At K-State, she met Marvin Kraft from Russell, Kan., and they were married in Topeka on March 1, 1953. They celebrated their 58th anniversary this year. She moved to Wichita in 1966 and was a member of the PTA board at Peterson Elementary School. She returned to college to complete a bachelors degree in elementary education at Wichita State University and in 1972, at age 40, graduated with honors and earned her teaching certificate. She taught 4th grade at Goddard Elementary School for 11 years, retiring in 1983. She and Marvin enjoyed playing golf together on vacations as well as at Rolling Hills Country Club, where theyve been members for 45 years. They travelled widely to Kenya, South Africa, Austria, France, Switzerland, Germany, England and Scotland. But Pat was happiest in Wichita where she spent time with a large circle of friends. Preceding her in death were her father, mother and a sister, Emelie, of Overland Park, Kan. In addition to her husband, Marvin, she is survived by her three children: Scott Kraft and wife, Betsy, of La Canada, Calif.; Natalie Johnson and husband, Bill, of Dallas, Texas; Alan Kraft and wife, Raylene, of Greeley, Colo. She also is survived by a sister, Dr. Jacqueline Newcomb of San Diego, Calif., and seven grandchildren: Kate Kraft of Johannesburg, South Africa; Shannon Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas; Kevin Kraft of La Canada, Calif. and Erin, Joel, Caleb and Joshua Kraft of Greeley, Colo. A celebration of Pats life will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2801 W. 15th St. North, on Thursday, July 14, at 11 a.m. A private inurnment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery. The family requests donations in Pats name to Meals on Wheels or Asbury United Methodist Church. Downing Lahey Mortuary West.