Helen Lillian Krause (nee Ruhe) of Panama City Beach, Fla., age 86, originally of Chesterton, Ind., passed away January 8, 2013 at St. Andrews Bay Nursing Center in Panama City, Fla.

She was born on May 29, 1926 in Chesterton, Ind., the daughter of Edward and Geneva (Weidman) Ruhe of Chesterton.

On June 12, 1948 she married Burton Krause at St. Patrick Church in Chesterton, later settling in Morton Grove, Ill., to raise their family before retiring to Panama City Beach, Fla.

She is survived by her loving family: husband Burton Krause of Panama City Beach, Fla.; daughters, Susan (Ed)Barker of Delray Beach, Fla., Pamela (Terry) Valentino of Arlington Heights, Ill., Cynthia (Dan) Conger of San Diego, Calif., Jeanne (George) Clark of Los Angeles Calif.; sons, William (Mechelle) Krause of Antioch, Ill., and John Krause of Pine, Ariz.; as well as her grandchildren, Amy Barker, Tom, Jillian and Lindsay Valentino, Anastasia (Jon) Conger-Estep, Arielle and Arianna Conger, Nicole and Patrick Krause, and Scott (Krause) Dahm.

She is also survived by brothers Robert (Lee) Ruhe of Newport Beach, Calif., Jack (Fran) Ruhe of Mishawaka, Ind.., Thomas (Ping) Ruhe of Fullerton, Calif.; Richard Ruhe of Indianapolis, Ind., and sister Janet (Douglas) King of Wisconsin/South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Helen’s quick wit, intelligence, strong organizational ability and budgeting skills were essential in raising her six children as well as contributing to her success in business and in many charitable causes. Her outspoken nature and caring heart will be missed.

Family will receive family and friends prior to Mass in the vestibule of St. Patrick Church, 638 N. Calumet, Chesterton, Ind., at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23 followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial of the ashes will take place at Chesterton Cemetery, 300 E. Porter Ave., Chesterton, Ind., immediately following.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. at www.alz.org

 Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www.ee-fh.com

Posted 1/21/2013