Yvonne L. Kraft, 80, of Lancaster, joined the angels in Heaven on November 28, 2022. She was the loving wife of Gordon “Gordie” Kraft for 62 years. Born in Lancaster, PA she was the daughter of the late George E. Leggett, Sr. and Helen (Eby) Leggett.
Yvonne will be remembered for many things, including her commitment to and her unconditional love for family, friends and church. Her beautiful personality, sense of humor, selflessness and ability to send greeting cards are also notable.
Her easy demeanor and genuine love of people made everyone feel at ease. She impacted many by just being herself. There was not a mean bone in her body, although she was viciously loyal to family and friends.
Yvonne was a 1959 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School where she was well-recognized. She served as class vice president, was in National Honor Society, won the American Legion Award and the DAR Good Citizen Award. She was also a member of the school band and orchestra, the Dolphin Club, as well as a writer for the Vidette school newspaper.
She moved onto Millersville State Teachers College and then to her “true” life’s work as a coach’s wife and mother of three. Over the years she also worked at Lancaster YWCA’s LGH’s daycare and as an administrative assistant at both Raubenstine Insurance and Rettew Associates, as well as the ribbon table at Eden Manor summer swim meets.
She faithfully attended First Reformed Church in Lancaster for 62 years. First Reformed was a very important part of Yvonne’s life. She was a member of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, church pianist, was president of the Women’s Guild, board member of the Diffenbach Trust, money counter, and helped at the community meals.
Another life highlight was her willingness to take a risk for her 70th birthday when she took a hot air balloon ride for the first time despite having a fear of heights.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by children, Heidi Kraft, G. Douglas Kraft (husband of Terry) and Zachary Kraft (husband of Becky) all of Lancaster; grandchildren, Riley and McKenna Kraft, Jordan and Justin Baker and David Kamwanga. Also surviving is a sister, Beverly Ressler of Clarkston, MI. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a brother, G. Edward Leggett, Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at First Reformed Church, 40 E. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 PM. An informal gathering will be held following the service at the church. Interment was private in the church memorial gardens.
To view the service virtually, please click the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/yvonne-kraft
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Yvonne’s memory may be made to The Music Program at First Reformed Church at the address listed above. The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the staff of Evergreen Estates for the compassionate care that they provided to Yvonne during her time there; they are “top notch.” To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Leigh-Ann Fahnestock says
I was blessed to have worked with Yvonne at RETTEW. She was such a sweet and kind soul. She could make me laugh like no other and I always felt we shared a special bond. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
I pray that God’s promise of eternal life, along with the love and support of family and friends, brings peace and comfort during this time of grief.
With my heartfelt sympathies –
Leigh-Ann Fahnestock
Flora Poulos says
I am struggling to find words to share with all of you at this difficult time. My friendship with Yvonne lasted for over 50 years and the memories I have of our times together keep popping up. So many wonderful times shared with her and the whole family. Her obituary was so very meaningful and captured her so well. I know she loves it and is sharing it with all her new friends in heaven. You are each in my prayers as we all face the empty spot she left. I am looking forward to giving everyone a big hug at the Celebration of Life.
Love, Flora
Marianne Geraci Baldori says
Dear Gordie. I am very shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Yvonne. I will always remember her kindness whenever I saw her. She was an angel! I know this is so difficult for all of you to go through. May God give you the strength to get through the coming days ahead. I am so sorry.
Karen Meck Cataldo says
What a beautiful tribute and accurate depiction of Yvonne. She was so kind and thoughtful to my children, and would always take the time to talk when passing my house while going for her daily walk. I still have the Christmas ornament she gave me when I graduated nursing school and will cherish it even more. Yvonne will be missed by many and touched so many hearts.
God bless the Kraft family and may you find comfort in the memories of all the lives she has touched.
Karen Meck Cataldo
Lydia Kreider says
Yvonne was a special friend who extended joy , laughter and love to all around her. I search for the best words to express my sympathy to Gordie, Heidi, Doug, Zach and families. I think only happy memories of a sincere,kind funny and lovable friend from Otterbein church youth, music, card club days, swim class at the Y with her, balance classes at Kauffmans!
A quote sent to me when my daughter Kathy died, “Love leaves behind more than death can take away.” Over the years I see the wisdom in it! May you all feel that love live on in you each new day.
a choir anthem that lives on for me is, JOY IN THE MORNING! On that day in heaven I hope to see my dear buddy again
Charles McFalls says
Gordie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Evonne was a very special person. Take care my friend.
Chas McFalls
Shirley Jones says
To Coach ” Gordie” Kraft and the entire Kraft family from the Jones family(Shirley, “Casey”, Madeline, Dontina)
Our heartfelt sympathy to you for the passing of your wife , mother , grandmother.
We reunited with you and met Mrs. Kraft while visiting our sister, Madeline (Jones) Ballard at Evergreen Estates. Yvonne had such a pleasant smile and manner.
We re so sorry for your loss.
JoeGanse says
Coach Kraft so sorry to hear about your wife. My thoughts and prayers to u and your family. Joe Ganse
Jeanne and Erwin Klein says
Dear Gordie and family,
I was looking through the Lancaster obituaries, since many of our Lancaster friends have passed, and was so very sorry to see Yvonne’s obituary. We received your Christmas card earlier than usual this year, and I sent a reply in our return card to you, never knowing that Yvonne had passed away only a few days before.
We send our deepest sympathies to you all.
Tom Files says
Gordie, SO VERY SORRY to read of YVONNE’S passing. Reads as tho SHE was a VERY SPECIAL LADY. The road ahead will be tough as I am discovering with the loss of MY SALLY ON AUG. 5th this year.. Prayers for GOD to shine LOVE AND GRACE upon you and family during this difficul time. TOM FILES
Bob Reed says
We grew up together. From kindergarten to high school. Gordie, you have my condolences. She will be missed. Take care, my friend.
Ronald Ranck says
We were friends from early childhood to our days through High School. It’s a shame when the good go to soon. Take care and rest in piece.
Pat Dorenkamp-Reese says
So sorry to read of Yvonne’s passing. I met her when she was at the childcare center for LGH employees where she efficiently & lovingly cared for our eldest son some 40 years ago. She affirmed my parenting skills as a new & inexperienced mom. I’m forever grateful for her kind words, warm smile & spot on advice. Rest in peace, Yvonne.
Ron and Karen Flick says
Ron and I are so sorry to hear of Yvonne’s passing. She was a special kind beautiful lady. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Gina (Poltrok) Bowman says
Dear Mr. Kraft, Zac, Heidi, Doug and family –
I was so sorry to learn of Mrs. Kraft’s passing. As a member of First Reformed throughout my youth, I remember her as a kind and friendly person, a dedicated and faithful churchgoer, and a wonderful singer whom we could find every Sunday up in the balcony with the choir.
My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Jane Barsumian says
I am so sorry, Gordie! Even though I had not seen Vonnie for many years. I have warm memories of her starting with early family gatherings. Her mother, Helen Leggett, was my Aunt Mary Jane Kain Eby Haine’s sister-in-law, so I met her when she was about FOUR!
Much later we visited at Mt. Gretna shortly before our first babies were born in 1960!
She was a lovely person!