Deloras Mae Kraft

Deloras Mae Gill was born May 28, 1934, in Timber Lake, SD, to Lester and Genevieve (Schamp) Gill. Deloras was raised in Timber Lake, SD, where she graduated from high school.

She married Andrew John Kraft November 20, 1954, in Timber Lake, and they made their home in Moorhead, MN. Deloras prided herself on raising her family but when the children got a bit older, she worked part-time for Clay County for a number of years.

Andrew died November 19, 2006, and Deloras continued to make her home in Moorhead. She died Tuesday, April 10, 2018, in Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead, at eighty-three years of age.

Deloras was a very active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Moorhead. She was involved with Cursillo as well as Charismatic Movement at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fargo.

Deloras is survived by her children, Becky (Kevin) Camas, Embden, ND, Mark, Fargo, Craig (Ardis) Olathe, KS, Trent (Kathy), Moorhead, and Troy (Colleen), Argusville, ND; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Karen (Bob) McGuire, Sioux Falls, SD, and Phyllis Gill, Aberdeen, SD; and a brother, Larry (Janet) Gill, Timber Lake.

In addition to her husband, Deloras was preceded in death by a sister, Nadine Coleman; and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Kraft.

Deloras was loved by many and had the ability to fill a room with laughter, whether she knew it or not. She was vibrant in her presence at family gatherings, get-togethers with friends or simply during a phone call.

She was very devoted to The Lord, prayed for her loved ones even if no one asked her to. Often times when visiting Deloras, while sharing life's obstacles, she would stop and say a prayer with you. Deloras was there when advice was needed, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear and always told nothing but the truth. She had the rare ability to tell someone what they needed to hear with honesty and love.

Deloras also had a reputation for her endless sweet tooth. Her visitors knew the true way to her heart; it usually included soft serve ice cream, chocolate, and every once in a while an order from QVC. Deloras had a zest for life that is hard to put into words. She lived every day with strength and perseverance that was felt by everyone around her. Her positive and witty attitude was contagious amongst anyone she interacted with.

One word that best describes Deloras' life journey is grit. She had grit. The definition of grit is the firmness of mind or spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship. Deloras was the perfect role model for her loved ones in showing them how to never lose the zest of life and how to always have grit.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.

Her funeral mass will be Monday, April 16, 2018, at 10:30 AM, in the church.

Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.