Denise Seal Kratz

Denise Seal Kratz, 37, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on February 25, 2019. She was born August 17, 1981 in Russellville, Arkansas to David and Dale (Howard) Seal. She was a member of Grace Baptist church in Canton, Michigan. As a child, Denise was outgoing, inquisitive, and affectionate. Her eager and unreserved faith in Christ began at an early age and provided the foundation and framework of her life. Denise's lifelong passion for music began in childhood with playing flute in her school band program. She graduated with honors from Bryant High School in 1999 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Arkansas State University in 2004. The onset of her illness during her college years served as a catalyst for her compassion for children with special needs. This led her to work at Timber Ridge Ranch and Easter Seals prior to becoming a chemist and safety officer at GEO Specialty Chemicals in Little Rock. Denise married Jason Kratz in 2008, and they made their home in Little Rock. When her health would no longer allow her to work full-time as a chemist, she began teaching science and mathematics for homeschool organizations, as well as opening an online craft shop. After she and Jason moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan in 2013, Denise began teaching at Explorers Homeschool Association, where she initiated a highly successful science fair program. Even after her health declined to the point that she could no longer teach in the classroom, Denise continued to tutor students one-on-one. Many students attribute their success to her unwavering guidance and dedication. Despite increasing limitations, Denise remained determined to be productive every day, finding purpose in ministering to those who she felt could be lonely or overlooked. Even from her bed she made crafts to be distributed as gifts to residents of a local nursing home. Denise loved the Lord with all her heart and showed Christ to all who knew her. Denise shared her dad's love of Razorback sports, fishing, and mathematics, and her mom's love of crafting and music. She and Jason enjoyed science fiction, Lego, and geocaching. Her nurturing spirit was reflected in her love of children and animals. Denise was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Leo and Wanda Sue Seal; and maternal grandfather, Wilbert David Howard. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of eleven years, Jason Kratz of Ypsilanti, Michigan; parents, David and Dale Seal of Bryant, Arkansas; sisters: Darlene Seal of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Diana Bass and husband Joseph of Kingwood, Texas, and their son Jefferson; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Howard of Bryant, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Denise and will miss her always. Reception visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 1 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 2 at Smith-Benton Funeral home with burial following at Lono Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Denise Seal Kratz may be made to Dysautonomia International at http://dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=103. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.