TAMA-Elizabeth Rae Kriens, 84, of Tama, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 1-2 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home.
Elizabeth was born on January 18, 1929, in Parkersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Obediah Alfred and Mary Janiece (Meyer) Truax.
On July 24, 1946, she was united in marriage to Jasper "J.J." Kriens at the Reformed Parsonage in Dumont, Iowa. Elizabeth worked as a seamstress at DeLong Manufacturing in Grinnell, retiring in 2009. She was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a pianist, Women's Relief Society, Children's primary teacher, and Young Women's teacher. She was a past member of the Ridge Riders Saddle Club and Eagles Auxiliary. Her hobbies included quilting, embroidering, and gardening. She previously had an antique doll repair business in Dumont, and collected dolls and angels. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ. Elizabeth was an Avon Representative for many years. Her greatest interest was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Mary Brower of Tama, and Diana (Wayne) Oitzman of Mesa, AZ; three sons, David (Brenda) Kriens of Des Moines, Daniel Kriens of Grimes, and Bruce (Sue) Kriens of Gilbert, AZ; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; one sister, Louise (Dale) Carrison of Olathe, KS.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jasper (J.J.) Kriens; a son-in-law, David Brower; three brothers, Merle, Delos, and John Truax; four sisters, Shirley Johnson, Delores Truax, Lacina Truax, and Hazel Noah.
A memorial fund has been established.