Verda L. Krause

Verda L. Oakley Krause, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on October 26, 2021, at Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau, MT. Verda was born on April 10, 1934, to Leslie and Gertrude (Helf) Oakley in Oilmont, MT. The family lived in Oilmont until Verda was in the second grade, and the family moved to the Fairfield Bench where they purchased a farm. Verda and her five brothers graduated from Fairfield Elementary School and Fairfield High School. On September 14, 1952, Verda married the love of her life, Jim Krause. They made their home in Fairfield. Jim and his brother, Robert, owned Fairfield Dry Cleaners along with some farming interests. In 1962 they sold the dry-cleaning business and began full-time farming. In 1958, Jim and Verda purchased a farm west of Fairfield where they raised their four children, Dan, Richard, Terry, and Julie. During Verda’s lifetime, she enjoyed going to all the children’s and grand-children’s sporting events. She loved to bowl, golf, and make quilts with her fellow workers at the Fairfield Lutheran Parish. Over the years, they made many quilts for World Relief. Verda was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, served on the church council, and taught Sunday school for many years. Verda also loved to travel and through her and Jim’s younger years, took many trips to various countries with friends. Verda and a group of friends known as the Golden Oldies of the Bench, played cards weekly for over 50 years. Verda and Jim celebrated their 69th Anniversary on September 14, 2021. Verda is survived by her husband, Jim; sons, Dan (Mary) of Big Fork, MT, Richard and Terry of Fairfield, MT; daughter, Julie (Dan) Spicher of Kalispell, MT; six grandchildren; eight great -grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Juanita Oakley; and brothers, Barry (Billie) of Mesa, AZ and Allen (Beoma) Oakley of Gilbert AZ. Verda was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Gertrude Oakley; three brothers, Leslie Jr., Norman, and George (Tappy); and three grandchildren, Adam Krause, Kathryn Krause, and Andrea Spicher. The family of Verda would like to extend their gratitude for all of the wonderful and loving care during Verda’s stay at Benefis Teton Medical Center. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Grace Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.