Mary Ann Kraus

Mary Ann Kraus, age 82, passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, Mo. One of five children, she was born August 19, 1933 to Amandus S. and Kathryn M. Kammerich in Syracuse, Mo. Her family lived in Clear Creek during her childhood and she lived her entire life in the Clear Creek and Pilot Grove communities.
After graduating from high school, in 1951, Mary Ann's first place of employment was the Clear Creek Grocery store. Through the years she found herself working at the Pilot Grove Heel Factory, McGraw Edison in Boonville and Toastmaster's in Columbia. She was a hard worker and didn't seek retirement until she was 71 years old. She continued as an Avon representative even beyond retirement having pursued that endeavor for over 20 years.
Mary Ann's love of life was evident in her many activities besides work. She was a member of St. John's and then St. Joseph's Catholic parishes, active in the Altar Sodality and teaching CCD classes for many years. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabel in Boonville and on the lighter side also enjoyed the Red Hat Society, and was an avid Cardinal's fan.
On October 24, 1987 Mary Ann married Robert "Bob" Kraus. Not only did she become a wife, she took on the role of mother and grandmother with a great amount of grace and ease. She had always been a loving and wonderful aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She hosted many family gatherings.
Mary Ann, along with her nieces were famous for their candy making. She also canned a large variety of fruits and vegetables from husband Bob's garden.
Mary Ann was a collector of many grand friends throughout her life. She will be truly missed.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband Robert "Bob" Kraus of the home, sons Kent of Columbia; Warren and his wife Deborah of Jefferson City; Eric and his wife Rhonda of Pilot Grove; Dale and his wife Sara of Boonville; daughter Karla Moy of Pilot Grove; brothers Edwin Kammerich and his wife Joan of Boonville and C.R. Kammerich of Pilot Grove; sister Martha Jean "Marty" Hartman of Columbia; Aunt Virginia Wessing of Clear Creek; grandsons Brandon Kraus and his wife Rebecca, Adam, Colby, Brett and Kendall Kraus; granddaughters Rebecca Podgornik and her husband Ross, Morgan, Karsyn, Marissa and Zoey Kraus; great grandchildren Natalie, Michael, Jack and William; numerous nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.........all of whom she loved dearly.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; son Rex Kraus; her brother Earl Kammerich and his wife Jeannette; sister-in-law Joan Kammerich and brother-in-law Robert "Bob" Hartman.
Funeral services for Mary Ann Kraus are to be held Thursday, August 27 at 10 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove with burial following at St. John's cemetery in Clear Creek. Rosary services will be held Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM, also at the Church, with visitation following until 8:00 PM.
The family suggests memorials to the St. John's Cemetery or the St. Joseph Altar Sodality, Pilot Grove.
Funeral arrangements under the care of Meisenheimer Funeral Home, Pilot Grove, Missouri.