Obituary of Beverly A. Kraft

Beverly Ann Kraft went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2024. Bev was born to Wallace & Martha Maurer in Spokane, WA on Sept. 30, 1937. Beverly enjoyed growing up on a farm with her 2 sisters, Marie Ann Mckey and Shirley Stenzel, with whom she often sang in a trio for the church.
Beverly accepted the Lord as her Savior at the age of 12, and served Him for many years teaching in children's and youth ministries, working and singing in the church. She was a gifted pianist, soloist, and served on various church boards and as a church Children's Director.
Beverly worked 17 years as a medical assistant and secretary in doctor's offices. While being a counselor at a Christian Camp in August of 1961, she met Vernon Kraft, a minister and widower with 2 children. After 4 dates, two of which were with the children, Bev and Vern decided to get married. They tied the knot in December of 1961, making Bev both a pastor's wife and mother of 6 year old Becky and 4 year old Brian. Beverly served alongside her husband in the ministry throughout the 47 years of their marriage. In 2007 her husband Vernon went home to be with the Lord.
In her later years Beverly was motivated by her love of reading to serve at Vinewood Church as the librarian, and she thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship there. Bev enjoyed decorating the library with the many paintings and crafts that she and Vernon had made together. Bev and Vern worked together in everything they did, and had a wonderful life together. She had an unwavering commitment to the Lord as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, pastor's wife and friend.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Martha Maurer; sister Marie Ann McKey, and her husband Vernon R. Kraft.
She is survived by her son Brian Kraft of Sacra-mento, his wife Bernadette and their three sons; Blake, Brandon, and Bradley; daughter Rebecca Graves of Fresno, her husband Stephen and their three children; Jennifer, Emily, and David, as well as by 5 great grandchildren.  Beverly is also survived by her dear sister and best friend whom she talked to each and every day, Shirley Stenzel and her husband Frank Stenzel of Gridley, CA ; brother in law, Lester Lust of Turlock, CA and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The Lord was very dear to Beverly. He saw her through some very difficult times, but with His help, the lofty highs were greater than the valleys. Bev's favorite verse was: "I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11).
Family burial will be held in Gridley, CA on Friday, Jan 26, 2024. A celebration of life will be held in Lodi at the Vinewood Community Church on Saturday, Jan 27, 2024 at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vinewood Community Church Library Fund.