Eleanor Kraft

Eleanor Delores (Lautt) (Green) Kraft, lovingly known as “Ellie,” passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, devotion to family, and a lifetime of love.

Ellie was born in Cleveland, ND November 23, 1931 to Edmund and Lydia (Reile) Lautt.  She grew up alongside her siblings Vernice, Doris, Buddy (Ed), Sonny (Acil), and Arlene, who died in infancy.  She grew up with the steady values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. On November 6, 1950, she married Ruffus Orville Green and began the life she always cherished most — building a home and raising her family. They made their home in Hardin, later spending time in California before returning to Hardin in 1964, where she remained close to the community she loved.

She was widowed in 1991. In time, she found companionship again and married Richard Kraft, sharing additional years of friendship and devotion. Richard held a special place in Eleanor’s heart and in the hearts of her children and grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as a very special Papa.

Ellie was the proud mother of four children: Orville Green (Joan), Mary Martin (Chuck), Donald Green (Theresa), and Debbie Ahrens (Clayton), and one “adopted” son, Ivan Dieruf.  She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, each one a source of deep joy to her. There was no greater joy to her than holding a little one in her arms, soothing them with gentle love and patience.

Though she worked as a waitress and cleaned houses over the years, her heart was always at home. She had a gift in the kitchen and loved feeding her family. Around her table there was always room for one more plate, one more story, one more round of laughter. Time with Ellie meant games, warm meals, teasing smiles, and feeling completely loved.  She faithfully remembered every birthday and thank-you card, small gestures that reflected how deeply she cared.

When Ellie found Jesus she quietly and wholeheartedly gave her life to Him. Her faith became the foundation of her days. She read her Bible faithfully each morning and treasured her church family and fellowship. Her devotion was steady and sincere, carried out in prayer, kindness, and the way she cared for others.

Ellie will be remembered for her gentle strength, her deep faith, and the way she made people feel safe, welcomed, and cherished. The love she poured into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will continue to ripple through generations.

Her life was simple in the most beautiful way — centered on faith, family, and love — and those who knew her will carry that example with them always.

Ellie’s family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. John’s for their loving and compassionate care. Your kindness, patience, and dignity shown to her during her journey with dementia meant more to our family than words can express.

Her memorial will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings on June 13, 2026 from 1030-1230.