Ellen Kraft-Hawk of Beach Lake, PA formerly of Hankins, NY passed away Thursday, March 19.

The daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Bestenheider) Hillriegel born April 12, 1937 in Callicoon, NY. 

Her older sister, Betty Ann and husband, William Friedenstine predeceased her.  She is survived by her three younger brothers; Robert, James, and Reginald, and their wives; Arlene, Anne, and Alberta, respectively. 

She loved her family with her first husband, Allen R. Kraft, their three children, Allen S. Kraft (wife Linda S. Kraft), daughter Alynn R. Van Pelt, (widow of Glenn A. Van Pelt), and second son, Andee R. Kraft (wife Kathy). He previously passed away December 2, 2021. Her second husband, John C. Hawk, Sr. had also predeceased her. 

In addition, she had 8 grandchildren, a bonus granddaughter, 4 bonus great-grandchildren. She was just four months shy of welcoming her latest great-grandson, Elliot James Kraft.  Last, but not least, she is survived by her canine companion, Jacob.

Given to hospitality, she loved to entertain. Even in her later years, she would bake or host a meal for those she wanted to repay in some way who had done an act of kindness for her.

Some years after obtaining her high school diploma and raising her children, she attended college to become an RN. She was very proud of this accomplishment.  She was one of the last students allowed to become an RN within just two years’ time.

If you were in company of her and something struck her particularly funny, you would not mistake her hearty, infectious laughter. She had sorrow and joy in life, like all of us. Let us all recall joy most.

Funeral arrangements have been handled privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.