Helen Dixon Kraft

Helen Dixon Kraft, age 94, formerly of Hot Springs, Ark., died peacefully with her family at her side Dec. 8, 2011, in Morrilton, Ark. Helen was born Aug. 17, 1917, in Star City, Ark. Helen was the daughter of the late Erasmus "Raz" Marion and Litha Elizabeth "Lizzie" Norton Dixon. She was also preceded in death by husbands Olen Walton Donaldson and Kenneth Milton Kraft Sr., infant son, Paul Dixon Kraft, infant daughter, Lisa Karal Kraft, daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Kraft, stepson, Benard Kraft, and stepdaughter, Virginia "Kay" Kraft Crocker. Great-granddaughter, Megan Isobal Kaltenback. Survivors include two sons, Benjamin Marion Donaldson (Frances), of Oppelo, Ark., and Kenneth Milton Kraft Jr. Patricia, of Martinez, Ga.; five grandchildren, Gregory Keith Donaldson, (Christie), Stephanie Lynne Donaldson Fox (Jeff), Kristopher Darin Kraft, Tanya Diane Kraft Kaltenbach, and Michael Scott Kraft (Crystal); and eleven great-grandchildren: Ashton Olivia, Joseph Gage, and Joshua Aiden Kaltenbach; Clifton Ricky Bates; Peter Dylan, Lauren Grace and Daniel Lee Kraft; Warren Chandler and Adam Garrett Donaldson; Johnathon Jerry and Andrew Freeman Fox. Helen is a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Little Rock, Ark., and former long-time member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs, Ark. She is a retired college professor from Henderson State University. She earned an A.A. degree and piano diploma from Central College in Conway, Ark., before her 16th birthday. She also earned her B.A. from Little Rock University in Little Rock, Ark., (now UALR), her M.S.W. from the Graduate School of Social Work at U.A.L.R., and completed post-graduate study at Texas Women's University with a concentration in Gerontology. She enjoyed the financial news, being a published poet, and was proud of her career in social work, where she was employed as a visitor for public welfare and associate professor of social work. She was also proud of writing the novel "Once I Lived in Lincoln County." Before she became ill health, her hobbies included gardening, and playing the organ and piano. In her teens, she played in a dance band. She once played for former President George W. Bush. Funeral services will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Monday, Dec. 12, at 10. Family will receive friends one hour before the service. Burial will be at Leek Cemetery Star City, Ark., at 2:30 p.m, under the direction of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. 501-661-9111. If so desired, memorials may be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72223, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 506 East Broadway, Morrilton, Ark., 72110, or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Father Charles Tessing and the Eucharistic Ministers from Sacred Heart who so faithfully visited her each week. The family would also like to give a sincere thank you to the director and staff who cared for her at Brookridge Cove in her final years. The family greatly appreciates their compassionate and loving care. Finally, the family would like to thank the Pastoral Care Team from St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Little Rock. Mrs. Kraft's online guest registry is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.