Dorothy Kraft

Dorothy Grace (Truitt) Kraft
August 14, 1932 – June 28, 2026

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Some people leave their mark on the world through great accomplishments; Dorothy Grace Kraft left hers through a life faithfully lived. She loved deeply, served quietly, welcomed others warmly, and pointed countless people to the love of Jesus Christ. Whether caring for her family, opening her home to friends and neighbors, or offering a simple act of kindness, Dorothy lived each day with grace, humility, and an unwavering faith that touched everyone who knew her.

Dorothy Grace Kraft, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 28, 2026, in Clovis, California, at the age of 93.

Dorothy was born on August 14, 1932, in Boise, Idaho, to Gerald Leland Truitt and Maurine Isabelle (Vreeland) Truitt. She spent her earliest years in Idaho before moving with her family to Southern California, where she was raised in San Gabriel alongside her older sister, Geraldine, and younger brother, Charles. Growing up in a home where faith, family, and hard work were deeply valued, Dorothy embraced those principles early in life and carried them with her throughout every season of her journey.

On March 15, 1952, Dorothy married the love of her life, Robert Richard Kraft, in Yuma City, Arizona. Together they shared more than fifty years of marriage, building a home centered on love, hospitality, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to raising their family in the Christian faith. They made their first home in Torrance, California, where Dorothy opened her home to neighborhood children through the Good News Club, joyfully introducing young hearts to the love of Jesus Christ.

The family later settled in Newbury Park, California, where Dorothy and Robert raised their three children, William "Bill," Steve, and Cindy. Dorothy devoted herself first and foremost to her family. While she later enjoyed working in Food Services for the Conejo Valley Unified School District until her retirement, she always considered her greatest calling to be that of a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.

Life in Newbury Park was filled with treasured family memories. Summers were often spent houseboating on Pine Flat Lake in Fresno County, where countless days were enjoyed swimming, fishing, skiing, and simply being together as a family. Those vacations became cherished traditions that remained favorite stories shared around the dinner table for years to come.

Following Robert's retirement from Xerox Corporation in the early 1980s, they sold their home in Newbury Park and fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to the beauty of northern Idaho. They settled on Upper Twin Lakes near Rathdrum, where they spent the next thirty-five years surrounded by the peace and majesty of God's creation. Their lakeside home became a place where family gathered, friendships flourished, and everyone felt welcome. Dorothy especially loved walking the mountain trails with her beloved Golden Retriever, Maxie. Whether crocheting for family and friends, enjoying the quiet beauty of the lake, or welcoming visitors into her home, she found joy in life's simple blessings.
Dorothy's Christian faith remained the foundation of her life. She possessed a servant's heart and found great joy in sharing the love of Christ with others. After moving to Idaho, she faithfully volunteered in the Children's Ministry at Rathdrum Bible Church, serving with the same gentle spirit and quiet dedication that characterized her entire life.
For more than twenty years, Dorothy and Robert graciously opened their lakeside home for the church's annual picnic and barbecue. These gatherings became treasured events where friendships were strengthened, families were encouraged, and lives were touched by the love of Christ. Many individuals who made decisions to follow Jesus during church services, would then finalize this commitment with a baptism in the waters of their lakeside home in Twin Lakes. Their home became much more than a beautiful place to gather—it became a place where lives were forever changed.
Dorothy also believed in serving her community. She was an active member of the Kootenai County Homeowners Association, faithfully served for many years as treasurer of the Lake Forest Homeowners Association, and enjoyed traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest with an all-women's travel club. One of the highlights of her adventures was a memorable two-and-a-half-week journey through China.
Those who knew Dorothy will remember her gentle kindness, compassionate heart, quiet strength, and steadfast faith. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Whether preparing a meal, mending a garment, offering a listening ear, or faithfully praying for family and friends, Dorothy reflected Christ's love through countless acts of quiet service. She never sought recognition, but her life spoke volumes. Her greatest legacy is not found in the places she lived or the things she accomplished, but in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the faith she passed on to future generations.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Richard Kraft; her parents, Gerald Leland and Maurine Isabelle Truitt; and her sister, Geraldine Shirley Jewel.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Charles "Chuck" Truitt (Darlene); her children, William "Bill" Kraft, Steve Kraft, and Cindy Kraft Mejia (Gary); her grandsons, Richard "Rick" Mejia (Kristen) and Ryan Mejia (Cara); her cherished great-grandchildren, Grant, Lincoln, Grace, Bennett, and Magnolia Mejia; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and faithful example.

Dorothy's family finds great comfort knowing that the faith she embraced throughout her life has now become sight. She has been joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, her parents, and the many loved ones who placed their trust in Christ before her. While her gentle presence will be deeply missed, her example of unwavering faith, sacrificial love, and quiet service will continue to inspire generations to come.
A private family gathering to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held in the coming weeks.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness..."
2 Timothy 4:7–8