Beryl Elizabeth Krause, “Beth”, beloved mother and grandmother, joined the Lord in Heaven on March 29, 2013 in Aberdeen, Washington. She was born to Stanley Ellsworth and Beryl Safford Vetter Smith at St. Joseph's hospital in Aberdeen, Washington on June 15, 1937.

Beth attended school in Sunnyside, Washington, graduating in 1955. Beth was a lifelong learner who attended Grays Harbor Community College, graduating in 1957. Beth then attended Western Oregon University graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She later attended Western Washington University and Central Washington University to further her education. Beth taught her first students at Point Defiance Elementary in Tacoma, WA in 1962. Beth then moved on to Ocosta School District where she taught grades 1-12 and finished her career in the special education department at Ocosta High School until her retirement in 1999.

Beth met the love of her life, Frank Krause, on Christmas Eve 1962 and made him her lifelong partner on April 6, 1963 in Grayland, Washington. They had three children, Ann Elizabeth, Frank Stanley, and Raymond Carl. She loved to take long, scenic drives with her husband and later with her entire family. The Oregon coast was a frequent favorite drive where they spent many of the happiest times of their lives, just driving and being together as a family. She was a very proud and protective mother who cared deeply for her family. She was very proud of her three children’s accomplishments in their careers of service, as a social worker, a police officer, and a teacher. Beth had a lifelong love of dogs, especially her blessed German Shepherds. She also enjoyed knitting and making her luxurious afghans for those she loved.

Beth loved to teach. After retiring from education, she worked part-time at Grays Harbor College in the reading department, continuing to educate and inspire her students. Her love of learning inspired her to be an avid reader, who loved to share her new knowledge with those around her. Beth remembered all of her students fondly and often recognized and was recognized by former students, who always had a kind word and great memories to share. Beth was a firm, but fair educator for all children.

Beth was an exceptionally accomplished musician from early childhood. She played the piano and organ beautifully for her church, for private services, and as an accompanying pianist at music competitions from the time she was a young girl. Over the years she was also an elementary school choir director and dance festival coordinator, where she shared her love of music with her students and the community. She loved music and found great comfort in playing, listening to music, and sharing her own amazing talents with her family, friends, and the community.

Above all else, Beth loved her family. She was devoted to her husband, Frank and their children as well as her brother and sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and her great grandchild. She was a caring human being always willing to help those in need. She and her husband Frank often volunteered at their church, South Beach Presbyterian, where she was an elder for many years, and at The Union Gospel Mission in Aberdeen. She was a lifelong Christian who always saw the good in people and did whatever she could to help whenever possible. Through her faith, she inspired those around her to be the best that they could be.
Beth is survived by her daughter Ann Krause Smith and her husband Ken Smith of Albion, Washington; her son, Frank S Krause and his wife Charmaine Krause of Puyallup, WA; her son Ray Krause and his wife, Suzanne Krause of Ocean Park, WA; grandchildren Nicolas Krause, Veronica Tornquist, Francessca Krause and Chantelle Krause; great-grandchild Rose Ross; her sisters Mary Hatton and Sally Feneide of Aberdeen, WA.
Beth was preceded in death by her husband Frank Krause, her Father, Stanley Smith, her mother, Beryl Bibbons, and her brother, Lee Smith.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 3:00 in the afternoon at the South Beach Presbyterian Church. As we celebrate Beth's life, Beth and Frank are now together again, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to The Union Gospel Mission in Aberdeen, WA or the South Beach Presbyterian Church in Grayland, WA.

Obituary for Beryl Elizabeth "Beth" Krause

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