"John, Shirley and Family, We are sorry for the loss of your Mother. You have a beautiful family and all were truly blessed to have Mary your Mother so many years. We all hold dear our loved ones as we go through our daily lives and cherish days gone by. We are fortunate to have you all in our lives. Dick & Betts"
In loving memory of
Mary Eleanor Kratz
December 5, 1922 - December 6, 2014
Mary Eleanor Schmidt Kratz
December 5, 1922 â€" December 6, 2014
Mary Schmidt Kratz, 92, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina where she has lived for the last three and half years. Mary lived in Indianapolis for over 50 years. She was the wife of the late Jerrold Kerwin Kratz. Her sister Dorothy Kuhn preceded her in death She is survived by her three children; Dr. John Kratz and his wife Shirley of Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, Bryan Kratz, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kathryn Mayo and her husband Andrew of Houston, Texas, five grandchildren; Martin and his wife Colleen, David and Michael Kratz and his wife Ellen, Sarah and Edward (Ted) Mayo, and 2 great grandchildren, Landon and Reilly Kratz, and five nieces and nephews.
Mary was born in Carrollton, Missouri to the late Martin John and Mildred Meyers Schmidt. During high school, Mary played the xylophone in the marching band. She married her high school sweetheart, Jerrold, after he graduated from Rolla School of Mines with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jerrold served in the Army during WWI during which time they were able to live in Saipan for part of his duty. Following WWII, Jerrold began his life long career with RCA, and the family moved to Cherry Hill NJ, to Findley Ohio, and eventually to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mary was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, tole painting, and caring for her family. She was active in her childrens’ schools, local garden club and a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Indianapolis. She was also an avid bridge player, playing with the same group of friends for many years. She was active in the Indianapolis Goodwill Service Guild, helping lead a volunteer program for their residential services and participating in the fundraising antique fashion show group. For these activities she received the Volunteer of the Year award in 1975 and again in 1976. She worked as a volunteer at the Indianapolis City Center for several years.
When Mary lost the love of her life at age 60, strong friendships were a significant part of her healing process, as she attended Elder Hostel trips and enjoyed book clubs, bible study at church, and various creative activites with friends. She had a strong independent spirit, was a caring friend and loved her family. She enjoyed learning, reading and was always ready for an interesting conversation.
Following a stroke in August 2011, Mary moved to Mt. Pleasant South Carolina to live at Franke at Seaside near her son. Even there with some decline in memory, Mary was known for a strong independent spirit, whom the staff enjoyed for her regular engagement with them. Her family is very grateful for all the friends who continued to write and encourage Mary after her move and for the excellent care she received at Franke. Mary will be missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are thankful for the lessons learned, memories shared, work of her hands left behind to enjoy, and for the strength of Christian character she taught through her actions and words.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 in Crown Hill Cemetery’s Gothic Chapel at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be within Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Indianapolis Goodwill Industries, c/o Goodwill Foundation, 1635 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 and/or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 526 E. 52nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46205.