Helen Maxine Kraus, 88, died Sept. 13, 2007, at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie.

She was born Aug. 5, 1919, in Langdon, the daughter of Joe and Dora Almeda Plush Cole. She graduated from Langdon High School in 1937 and attended McPherson College. A longtime resident of Pretty Prairie, she was a homemaker and farm wife.

She belonged to New Jerusalem Church, Rebekah Lodge, and the Service Guild, all at the church, Pretty Prairie, and was a charter member of the Pretty Prairie EHU.

On Aug. 5, 1940, she married Vernon Joseph Kraus at her parents home, Langdon. He died Sept. 30, 2001.

Survivors include: a son, Vernon Jr., and wife, Linda, Pretty Prairie; a daughter, Leta Royer and husband, Bill, Haven; five grandchildren, Bill Royer Jr., Jill Couchman, Rick Kraus, Paula Hilbert, and Karen Petty; 11 great-grandchildren; and a step-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Lucile Niedenthal.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at New Jerusalem Church, Pretty Prairie, with Pastor Jane Siebert presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Lonestar Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to New Jerusalem Church or Prairie Sunset Home, both in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.