Luetta Mae Cratsenberg
April 1, 1931 - January 22, 2008
Obituary
Luetta Mae Cratsenberg, a beautiful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 22, 2008, with her family by her side. She was 76 years old. Luetta’s smile and positive outlook in her courageous battle with a rare blood disease made her an inspiration to all.
Her strong faith in the Lord sustained her throughout her life.
Luetta was born on April 1, 1931, in Mobridge, South Dakota. She and her family moved to Centralia, Washington, where she graduated from Centralia High School.
She met her husband, Andrew in 1961 and they were married three months later. They moved to Federal Way, Washington where they spent and thoroughly enjoyed the balance of their adult lives. They enjoyed many trips and cruises around the world and many happy hours watching their grandchildren in sporting and school activities.
With a special thank you to the Dr. Thomas W. Malpass, Jill and Mark, and the nurses and staff of the Hematology/Oncology Unit at Virginia Mason in Seattle and Federal Way, the nurses and staff of the Oncology Unit and Special Care Unit at St. Francis in Federal Way, and to Sandy and the nurses and staff at the Avalon Adult Care Center in Federal Way. Words cannot express how much your sincere efforts and compassionate care meant to Luetta and her family. You all became like family.
Luetta is survived by her husband of 48 years, Andrew C. Cratsenberg Sr.; sons, Andrew C. Cratsenberg Jr. his wife Paula, and Larry S. Cratsenberg his wife Deanna; step daughter, Kristine C. Richards her husband Rick; grandchildren, T.C., Amber, Rylan, Alex, and Drew Cratsenberg, Devon and Tracy Richards.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 24th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA. 253 839-7317.
A Funeral service to celebrate Luetta s life will be held on Friday, January 25th at 11:00 am at OUR SAVIOR S BAPTIST CHURCH, 701 South 320th Street, Federal Way, WA.
Mom, we love you and miss you greatly.
Dear Andy,
Lu was first my supervisor, then my friend, as she was with other coworkers in the 60s, I believe. Our kids went to the same schools, we got together for lunches, here and there, and kept track of most of those coworkers. I did not get that last lunch. I certainly will miss her. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sharon Cooper formerly Cragle
Dear Andy and family:
George and I have been so blessed by knowing you and Lu. It sounds trite, but she really was one in a million. I never heard an unkind word from her lips about anyone, and she NEVER complained. I hope people will be able to say the same thing about me, but I am going to have to work on it. The love between Andy and Lu was so evident, and the pride and love for her children and grandchildren. We so enjoyed being with her and catching some of her warmth, love, and humor. She is irreplaceable. We are only comforted by the assurance that we will see her beautiful smile again and feel her warm hug.
Love to you all, Carolyn and George
Butch, I just remember how well your mom dressed you as we went to Lake Grove Elementary ….she had some good taste back then!!!! We the girls always commented our 6th Grade year how stylish you were..You better be thankful that your mom had such good taste!!!
Haven’t seen you in many years but when I read your mom’s obituary, I just wanted you to know that I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Your mom will always live in your heart! Please send Larry my best too. Hope to see you again someday! Lola
Dear Andy and family,
Our deepest condolences. Lou was a sweet lady with a smile to light up the room.
May all of us appreciate our health and celebrate each day that we have to share on earth.
Your friends,
Dan and Alexander Papke and Susan Hendricks
Lu held her family in her heart and they meant everything to her. Now her family can hold those memories of her in their hearts and know that God is holding her in his loving arms.
Butch – I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Although we never did get a chance to meet, we did have several nice phone conversations. Again I am sorry for your loss.
We will remember you and your family in our prayers at this time.
Andy & Family,
May you be sustained by how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love really is.
You are greatly loved by so many!
Andy, Butch, Larry and families,
Lu was so special to us at Our Savior’s church which you know. We grieve with you, but are grateful for Lu’s faith in Jesus that shined through her smiling face. Jesus is watching over her, and you as well. God bless you.
Lu was always kind,comapsionate and sincere.Knowing her has greatly blessed my life. Thank you my friend.
We were so sorry to hear of Lou’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy and the family. Sincerely, Mary Lou, Dirk and Kara Van Woerden
Sometimes in life we run across someone who has a very positive impact on us. Lu was that person for me. I was so honored to have met her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will miss seeing my friend and the beautiful family she loved so much. God bless you Lu. I’ll see you again someday.
To Andy and the family,
Tommy Ann and I have thoroughly enjoyed Lu and Andy. In this very short time we came to know you we recognized what a classy lady Lu was. Our kindest and heartfelt wishes to all of the family at this time of loss. Ron & Tommy Ann Delzer